Meloni criticizes Trump's deal with Russia and warns of threat to sanctions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has spoken out against US President Donald Trump's agreement with Russia on diesel fuel supplies. She called the deal risky, warning that it could strengthen Moscow's position, provide the Russian budget with additional revenue, and weaken Western sanctions.
This was reported on October 14 by ANSA, citing Meloni's address to the Italian parliament ahead of the European Union summit to be held on October 15–16 in Brussels.
According to the head of the Italian government, the outcome of the Washington-Moscow agreement raises doubts, while its risks are obvious.
Meloni stressed that the main reason for the rise in global fuel prices is due to the war in Iran, not the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, increasing supplies of Russian diesel will not necessarily solve the problems of the energy market.
At the same time, the resumption of trade in Russian fuel, according to the prime minister, could lead to political recognition of Moscow as a full-fledged economic partner, despite ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In addition, Russia could use additional oil revenues to finance the war, while the easing of restrictions will reduce the effectiveness of sanctions pressure.
Meloni stated that such actions contradict the policy that Western countries, including the United States, have pursued to force Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
Italy confirmed support for Ukraine
In her speech, Meloni emphasized that Rome does not intend to change its position on the Russian-Ukrainian war.
According to her, support for Kyiv, pressure on Moscow, and maintaining the unity of European and American allies remain the main directions of Italian foreign policy.
The head of government noted that assistance to Ukraine does not contradict the desire for peace, but creates conditions for achieving it. At the same time, ending the war should not mean the capitulation of a state that defends its independence.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Meloni for her support and her clear position on Russian aggression.
Moscow reacted negatively to the criticism. Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the diesel supply agreement does not concern the Italian prime minister.
Meloni's position caused disagreements within Italy
The prime minister's statements came against the backdrop of disagreements between the parties of the ruling coalition on the issue of further support for Ukraine.
In particular, the leader of the League party, Matteo Salvini, said that Italy cannot indefinitely send financial assistance to Kyiv and called for focusing on a diplomatic settlement of the conflict.
Despite these disagreements, Meloni confirmed her intention to continue supporting Ukraine and spoke out against abandoning sanctions pressure on Russia.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin providing for the return of Russian diesel fuel to the international market. Washington hopes to thereby increase the supply of petroleum products and lower prices for American consumers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also previously spoken out against this decision. European leaders intend to discuss further sanctions pressure on Russia at the EU summit in Brussels.
Based on materials from: ANSA, Financial Times, Sky TG24.