Decoding the news. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is driving a two-step plan to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, positioning Italy as a key facilitator—with support from the Vatican and transatlantic interlocutors.
- She publicly confirmed she spoke with US President Donald Trump again on Thursday—the third time in a week—underscoring Italy’s central role in ongoing efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- She told reporters that Italy is working to launch a new round of talks, starting at the technical level and potentially hosted in Switzerland or Türkiye.
- If successful, a second round at the political level would follow, and the Vatican’s involvement is seen as crucial.
- “Zelensky has clearly shown a sincere willingness to pursue peace. On the Russian side, we have seen no real steps forward,” Meloni said.
Meloni’s multidimensional diplomacy. The Prime Minister is exercising what can be defined as multifaceted diplomacy—integrating political, religious, and strategic channels to widen the scope of dialogue.
- Italy’s geography, historical posture, and relations with key players make it uniquely positioned to connect the Holy See, Türkiye, the US and the EU.
Expert’s take. Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow and adviser to the German Marshall Fund’s president, sees Italy as “unusually positioned”.
- In an interview with our sister website Formiche, he noted that Rome combines a close relationship with Washington, historical ties with Moscow, and strong support for Kyiv.
- Lesser added that this alignment gives Italy “a kind of special role” in the current phase and matches what he called the Meloni government’s “activist international posture.”
Key dimensions. Lesser highlights three external hot points that could shape the talks — each with a distinct role.
- The Vatican: Lesser said the Holy See “may be the perfect neutral place,” suitable for “concrete dialogues” rather than symbolic formats. He stressed that the Vatican could serve not as a mediator but as a facilitator and provider of “symbolic cover.”
- The United States: He described US involvement as “essential” — not necessarily as a broker, but as a central stakeholder. According to Lesser, Ukraine’s future and Russia’s desire for sanctions relief make Washington a key piece of the puzzle.
- Türkiye: While warning not to overstate Ankara’s role, Lesser acknowledged that Türkiye’s “ambivalence” between Russia and Ukraine gives it “a certain vocation” as a facilitator.
- Türkiye is directly interested in the outcome as a Black Sea power.
What we’re watching. A technical meeting could happen soon—possibly in Switzerland or Türkiye.
- If progress is made, a political-level summit may follow at the Vatican. Washington remains essential, Ankara relevant, but Rome holds the thread.
- “The situation on the ground, together with changing politics on all sides—especially in the West—has made direct talks more realistic and compelling, even because of Washington’s current distance from the conflict,” said Lesser.
