Italy Claims Role in Shaping Security Guarantees for Ukraine
ROME – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday claimed Italy helped shape Western plans for security guarantees to Ukraine, casting Rome as an architect rather than a bystander in Western talks, reports 24brussels.
Speaking at the Meeting of Rimini, a Catholic festival of politics and reflection, Meloni announced a diplomatic breakthrough after three years of deadlock with Moscow. She credited US President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s “heroic resistance,” and the collaborative efforts of the EU and Italy for facilitating this opportunity.
Meloni emphasized that any settlement must be grounded in “robust security guarantees for Kyiv,” revealing that Italy’s proposal, inspired by NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause, is currently under consideration. “We should be proud of this,” she declared to the audience.
Her comments coincide with discussions regarding a US-backed initiative to offer Ukraine collective defense commitments outside NATO’s auspices. Trump raised this notion during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, reflecting a formula that Rome has long supported. For Meloni, Washington’s movement towards these guarantees indicates that Italy’s vision is shaping the West’s strategy.
Additionally, Meloni addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, adopting a contrasting stance. “We did not hesitate for a minute to support Israel’s right to defend itself after October 7,” she stated. “However, we cannot remain silent about a response that has exceeded the principle of proportionality, claiming innocent lives and impacting Christian communities that have historically contributed to balance in the region.”
The Prime Minister cautioned that Israel’s actions could jeopardize the prospect of a two-state solution. She condemned “the unacceptable killing of civilians” and “an attack on press freedom,” reiterating Italy’s call for a ceasefire and urging Hamas to release hostages. She also highlighted Italy’s role as a leading non-Muslim nation in facilitating medical evacuations from Gaza. Two weeks earlier, Meloni had for the first time characterized the situation in Gaza as a genocide.
Her remarks come amidst a statement by nine European nations, including Germany, Italy, and the UK, that warned Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza might expose it to legal repercussions under international law, representing a gentler stance than the outright condemnations made by France and Canada.
