Stay informed with free updates
Just sign up for war in ukraine myFT Digest — delivered straight to your inbox.
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crossetto called for further diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite warnings from Kiev that Russia has no intention of doing so.
Crozet told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday that Italy would seek a “dual-track strategy” that would combine military aid to Kiev with further engagement towards a “negotiated solution”.
“We have to be realistic and we cannot ignore the military situation on the ground,” Crossett said as parliamentarians approved increased bilateral aid to Kiev. “It seems the time has come for effective diplomatic action.”
Italy has long considered itself a bridge between Russia and Western Europe, given the strong ties between the Italian Communist Party and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. When the Russian government launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Rome will be the weak link, especially after the unexpected collapse of former Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government (an event that led many Italians to suspect Russian interference). Many people were worried that this would happen.
But Draghi’s successor, right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has decried Russian aggression and support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Crossett insisted that his diplomatic calls did not reflect weakening Rome’s support for Kiev or a determination to achieve a “just peace” and that abandoning Ukraine would have major implications for European security. he warned.
But Crosset, who previously served as president of the Italian Defense Industry Association, provided a sober analysis of Ukraine’s military and political power and expressed concern about “Ukraine’s true ability to counter the Russian military.” . . The situation continues to be inferior both in numbers and in terms of aviation. ”
“Unfortunately, Ukraine’s summer counterattack did not yield the desired results,” he said, warning that 2024 would be a “critical year” for Ukraine’s future.
He asserted that diplomatic efforts will be carried out in parallel with continued military assistance to Ukraine. Italy is currently preparing for the 8th round of aid aid, as well as holding the G7 Presidency.
“We have two paths: to provide aid without any ifs or buts, or to try to forge a diplomatic path that will lead to an end to the conflict,” he said. “We need to balance deterrence and diplomacy in the coming months.”
But Crossett also said negotiations could only begin if Russia stopped its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. “Once the bombs stop falling, we can start talking,” he said. “We have to convince those who are attacking us to stop.”
He said changes in the political situation in Kiev and Moscow could eventually lead to a breakthrough.
“In Ukraine, the domestic front appears to be less united in supporting President Zelensky’s policies than before, highlighting some political differences,” he said. He added that President Putin also faces economic challenges and growing war fatigue among the Russian people.
However, President Zelensky has maintained that he cannot negotiate with Russia until Putin’s forces have completely withdrawn from Ukrainian territory, and domestic opinion polls overwhelmingly support his position.
Mr. Zelensky also said that Russian leaders had no interest in negotiations unless Ukraine surrendered. Kiev argues that any agreement to stop fighting now would be a move that would allow Russia to regroup and prepare for a new attack on Ukraine.
“I think we need to pay attention to the words of the President of the Russian Federation. He is not going to stop. He wants to completely occupy us,” President Zelenskiy said on Wednesday, the first of a trip to the Baltic states. He made the remarks during a surprise visit to Lithuania’s capital Vilnius, his destination, with the aim of drumming up support for Kiev’s defense efforts.
Putin said in a marathon, nationally broadcast and highly controlled press conference last month that Russia’s goals in Ukraine “have not changed.”
“If we achieve our goals, there will be peace,” he said. He also reiterated his goals, including the “denazification” and “demilitarization” of Ukraine and ensuring that Ukraine never joins NATO.