On Monday… Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, reiterated that the Italian government continues to oppose the use of Italian-supplied weapons by Ukraine to strike targets within Russian territory.
- Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Tajani emphasised that Italy’s policy on this matter remains unchanged, even after US President Biden approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles inside Russia.
- “Our position is very clear: the use of our arms is limited to the defence of Ukrainian territory,” he said.
Seeking a peaceful resolution. Tajani also reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict, underlining the importance of an inclusive peace conference.
- Italy supports a peace conference that involves not only Ukraine’s allies but also key stakeholders such as Russia, China, India, and Brazil, Tajani stated.
- He expressed hope that China could play a constructive role in facilitating peace.
In the previous hours. Tajani’s remarks came as tensions escalated over the weekend.
- Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack, resulting in civilian casualties and targeting critical energy infrastructure.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia used 120 missiles and 90 drones, including Iranian-made models, in an attempt to cripple Ukraine’s power generation ahead of the winter months.
Call me Vlad. On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Tajanicommented on the call, noting that it was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.
- However, Tajani added that the call did not appear to have yielded any significant results.
- The Italian Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of coordinated communication among Western allies.
On Saturday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led a Group of Seven (G7) statement expressing strong support for Ukraine.
- The declaration was seen as a response to Italy’s exclusion from previous discussions with allied leaders by Chancellor Scholz and was well-received by Ukrainian President Zelensky, who expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Meloni.
- This is occurring amidst global speculation on the effects of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States.
- After winning the election two weeks ago, Trump is expected to initiate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which could result in a reduction of military support to Kyiv in an attempt to facilitate talks.
