Elly Schlein’s line on Ukraine. The Democratic Party secretary shared her views on the EU’s role in supporting Ukraine in a meeting with La Repubblica newspaper. While stating her unwavering support for Ukraine in any necessary form, the party leader emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of the Union’s diplomatic and political aspirations.
- “The invasion of Ukraine constitutes a criminal, military action that violates international law. Alongside providing full support, we must not abandon the EU’s diplomatic and political role, which can contribute to resolving the conflict.”
A just peace. Schlein hopes for a just peace in the interest of the invaded country, emphasizing that “equidistance” is not an option. Schlein also holds a clear stance on Kyiv’s EU membership.
- “Ukraine currently holds candidate status, and though it won’t be easy, it is a perspective we should insist upon.”
Russia’s war on Ukraine has split the Italian centre-left. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, remains the loudest and most influential voice in Italian politics to oppose aiding Kyiv by sending military equipment. And on Monday he again burnished these credentials by stating that providing weapons has “banned the negotiation strategy” and “only causes death and destruction.
- The interview comes a few days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Rome to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella – who assured steadfast support – as well as Pope Francis.
