Meloni: Italy backs Ukraine, pressure on Moscow key to peace talks

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense and maintaining pressure on Russia during communications to the Chamber of Deputies ahead of a European Council meeting. Meloni stressed that this stance remains the sole viable path toward initiating peace negotiations.

“

We support Ukraine's defense, our line does not change. Supporting Kyiv and maintaining pressure on Moscow still represents the only way to open a season of negotiations.

"We support Ukraine's defense, our line does not change. Supporting Kyiv and maintaining pressure on Moscow still represents the only way to open a season of negotiations," Meloni stated. She confirmed Italy's backing for the European Union's twentieth package of sanctions against Russia, emphasizing its role in compelling Moscow toward dialogue.

Meloni also addressed Europe's role in international affairs, particularly concerning the conflict. She advocated for the EU to develop its own robust security guarantees for Ukraine and a new European security architecture to ensure long-term stability. While acknowledging the importance of transatlantic coordination with the United States, she cautioned against over-reliance. "Coordination does not mean delegation," she asserted, highlighting that Europe must take the lead in negotiating peace terms, as various conditions directly involve and impact the continent.

“

Coordination does not mean delegation.

Regarding the Middle East conflict, Meloni reaffirmed Italy's position of not being a party to the conflict but actively working towards its resolution. She stressed the importance of protecting military personnel in the region and ensuring the freedom of commercial sea routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Meloni condemned any unilateral attempts to alter transit rules in the strait, calling such actions unacceptable.

“

Any attack against Unifil, its personnel, its bases and its missions is unacceptable. We have condemned them unequivocally and will continue to do so. Those who strike and threaten Unifil strike the international community.

The Prime Minister's remarks precede a crucial European Council meeting on June 18-19, where discussions on Ukraine, sanctions, and broader European security are expected to be central.

“

It is unacceptable – any attempt to unilaterally alter the transit rules in the strait.