Italian PM Advocates for Renewed EU Dialogue with Russia to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Friday that the European Union ought to restart high-level discussions with Russia as Brussels aims to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, advocating for the appointment of a special envoy.

«I believe it’s time for Europe to engage in dialogue with Russia,» the far-right leader remarked during a press conference on New Year’s.

«If Europe wishes to be involved in this stage of the ongoing negotiations, it cannot effectively contribute by addressing only one party involved,» she added.

Meloni expressed her agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously remarked in December that it would be «beneficial» for Europe to reconnect with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict.

Since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, contact between the EU and Russia has been largely suspended, leading Washington to take the forefront in negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis.

This situation has left European leaders scrambling to shape the initiatives put forward by President Donald Trump.

Meloni noted the challenge of determining who would represent the EU in these discussions.

«We’ve faced this issue since the negotiations began. There are numerous voices and formats at play,» she explained.

«This is why I have consistently advocated for the appointment of a special European envoy on the Ukraine issue… someone who could condense our position and enable us to speak cohesively.»

However, she commented that it is premature to discuss the possibility of reintegrating Russia into what is currently the Group of Seven (G7), which was formerly the Group of Eight (G8).

«At this moment, it seems unlikely to me that, for instance, Russia would join the G7,» she stated.

Since the onset of the conflict, Meloni has been a strong advocate for Ukraine.