"I think French President Emmanuel Macron was right about this. I believe it is time for Europe to engage in dialogue with Russia," Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said at a press conference in Rome on 9/1. Her statement referred to Macron's comments late last month that it would be "useful" for Europe to resume talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine.
Since the European Union (EU) suspended contact channels with Russia after the Ukraine conflict erupted in 2/2022, the United States has led negotiations to end the conflict. This situation has compelled European leaders to urgently seek ways to participate in and shape the efforts of US President Donald Trump.
Meloni emphasized that Europe's active involvement in the peace process is crucial. "If Europe decides to participate in this phase of the negotiation process, only engaging in dialogue with one party will limit the bloc's positive contributions," she stated.
The Italian prime minister also highlighted the challenge of identifying appropriate EU representatives for potential negotiations with Russia. "We encountered this problem from the beginning of the negotiation process. There are too many voices, too many frameworks. That is why I have always advocated for the appointment of a European special envoy for the Ukraine issue, who can synthesize perspectives and help us present a common voice," she emphasized.
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Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at a press conference in Rome on 9/1. Photo: AFP
Regarding proposals for a peace settlement, Meloni addressed the US draft peace agreement from 11/2025, which suggested Russia could rejoin the G7 group of developed economies, formerly the G8. While supporting EU dialogue with Russia, Meloni clarified that it was too early to discuss welcoming Russia back into the group. "Currently, for me, Russia's accession to the G7 seems impossible," the Italian leader said.
She also reaffirmed Italy's position that it has no plans to send troops to Ukraine to help secure any peace agreement. Meloni has strongly supported Ukraine since the conflict began. Last month, Prime Minister Meloni's administration affirmed it would continue to support Kyiv, but Italy was the first European nation to publicly suggest that arms transfers to Ukraine should not continue while parties are negotiating a ceasefire.
Negotiations to end the nearly four-year-long war have accelerated since last November. However, the parties have not yet achieved any breakthrough due to ongoing disagreements on many issues, including territorial concessions and security guarantees.
By Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
