Italy will not send troops to Ukraine as part of any future peace deal with Russia, Premier Giorgia Meloni told a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” Thursday, her office said.
Meloni reaffirmed Rome’s opposition to deploying forces, while leaving the door open to supporting a potential cease-fire through monitoring or training initiatives outside Ukraine’s borders. She also repeated her proposal for a collective security mechanism modeled on NATO’s Article 5 as part of guarantees for Kyiv.
The Paris gathering of 35 leaders, co-chaired by France and Britain, sought to finalize security pledges aimed at deterring Russia from attacking again once the war ends. French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries had agreed to provide such guarantees, though their scope varies.
While France and Britain signaled openness to stationing forces in Ukraine after hostilities cease, Germany and others said decisions would depend on U.S. involvement. President Donald Trump, who joined the call, pressed Europeans to curb Russian oil imports and increase economic pressure on China.
Bulgaria also ruled out sending troops but offered naval support in the Black Sea, including de-mining operations.
European officials admit peace remains a distant prospect but say planning now is essential to reassure Kyiv of long-term backing.
