Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged Europe to appoint a special envoy to engage Russia in talks amid ongoing efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine. She supported French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for dialogue with Moscow, noting that Europe must communicate with both sides to be effective.
Meloni warned that without a unified approach, Europe could inadvertently help Putin. She backed the idea of a European envoy for Ukraine, arguing that multiple voices complicate negotiations.
Peace talks have increased since Donald Trump returned as U.S. President, yet Russia remains unwilling to compromise. The U.S. suggested reinstating Russia in the G7, but Meloni called this “premature.” She stated Italy would not send troops to Ukraine if a collective defense agreement was reached, saying small foreign forces would not deter Russia.
Responding to Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland, Meloni said she would not support any U.S. military action there. She believes the administration wants to emphasize Greenland’s strategic importance and discourage excessive foreign involvement.
Meloni also rebuffed Trump’s claim that he does not need international law, asserting its importance but acknowledging normal disagreements among allies. “When I don’t agree with Trump, I tell him,” Meloni concluded.
President Meloni’s beginning-of-year press conference
