Decoding the news. Minister Guido Crosetto’s remarks come just 48 hours after the meeting at the White House between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders – including Giorgia Meloni – at a time that could mark a turning point in the war in Ukraine, provided that Vladimir Putin is genuinely willing to embark on a negotiated path.
- Crosetto stressed that “this is a security commitment nations would undertake. Meloni’s idea is that NATO, as a defensive alliance, could protect an external country like Ukraine. Alternatively, individual nations could take on that role. The best mechanism will be chosen. Certainly, with NATO, deterrence would be far stronger.”
What he says. “Meloni’s proposal of a mechanism based on Article 5 is gaining traction. It is one possible solution, and it is not incompatible with that of the Willings. Both could be realised.”
- On the Donbass: “That frontline is their Maginot Line, the country’s first defence against the Russian attack… to give it up would mean sacrificing future defence.”
- On Russia: “The Russians have an elephant in the room… now (Putin) has realised he cannot conquer all of Donbass. It is the most fortified region… it would take years. That is why he is now saying: I give up the total conquest of two of the four provinces… but that would mean contradicting the constitutional amendment.”
- On Moscow’s motives in negotiations: “Not least the fact that in Russia both public opinion and the oligarchs… are pushing to lift sanctions and reopen relations… regaining influence in the old continent and buying time.”
The bottom line. Crosetto frames Italy as a protagonist on the diplomatic and political front, but with a clear outlook: Ukraine’s protection depends—at least in part—on a credible NATO framework. It also reminds us of the West’s unity – Italy’s priority – showcased at the White House meeting, underscoring that only collective resolve can provide absolute security for Ukraine.
What we’re watching
- Security guarantees: the practical plan also plays out behind the scenes.
- Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, coordinated a call with all allied nations today to discuss upcoming technical and military steps.
- “We are united, and that unity was truly tangible today, as always,” said Cavo Dragone in a post on X after the meeting. “On Ukraine, we confirmed our support.
Priority continues to be a just, credible and durable peace.” - Our thoughts remain with the Ukraine brave brothers and sisters in arms. We praise their relentless courage in defending their homeland.”
- Putin’s reliability: Crosetto argues that Putin is now in a phase where he has an interest in negotiating to regain international space – “Let us not forget that in the Russian calculations Ukraine was supposed to be a lightning war,” he warned.
- Though it remains to be seen whether this willingness will translate into concrete steps.
