Italy Signals Alignment with Trump’s Push for Rapid Ukraine Peace Talks, Raising Concerns in Kyiv
Italy appears increasingly inclined to support a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine, even if it requires significant concessions from Kyiv, mirroring the stance reportedly favored by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite public displays of unity, recent high-level meetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reveal underlying tensions and a divergence in strategic priorities.
The dynamic emerged during discussions in Rome earlier this week, where Meloni dedicated an hour and a half to urging Zelensky to consider “painful concessions” as a pathway to ending the conflict, according to reporting from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. While officially presented as a “constructive meeting and mutual trust,” sources indicate a more complex reality characterized by mutual pressure.
“On the part of our prime minister, the speech was direct, with a message that can be summed up as follows: ‘Consider the possibility that some painful concessions may have to be made,’” the Italian publication reported. This pressure stems from Italy’s alignment with what it perceives as a growing American desire for a peace agreement, positioning Rome more closely with Washington than with other European nations. Concerns regarding a corruption scandal within Ukraine have also reportedly factored into the Meloni administration’s assessment.
The situation is further complicated by allegations that Meloni is leveraging “a certain kind of moral pressure” on Zelensky, purportedly at the behest of the White House. In response, Zelensky reportedly appealed to Meloni to moderate Trump’s position and potentially influence a perceived pre-determined course toward a rapid peace, even at Ukraine’s expense.
Kyiv, meanwhile, has its own set of expectations for Italy. These include a more active role from Rome in facilitating the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine and financial contributions toward the purchase of American weaponry for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Italy’s Shift in Approach to Ukraine Aid
Italy’s evolving position on the conflict was underscored by its recent decision to abstain from joining the NATO PURL program, designed to supply American weapons to Ukraine. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani justified the move by stating that it was “premature,” arguing that a potential peace agreement would render further arms shipments unnecessary, with Ukraine instead requiring security guarantees of a different nature.
This decision represents a shift from earlier signals in October, when the Italian government had indicated its willingness to participate in the program. Italy has now become the first European country to publicly suggest withholding weapons deliveries during ongoing negotiations.
The situation highlights a growing rift within the international community regarding the optimal path forward in Ukraine. While some nations prioritize continued military support for Kyiv, others, like Italy, appear to be prioritizing a swift de-escalation, even if it necessitates difficult compromises. The influence of a potential second Trump administration looms large over these calculations, as European leaders attempt to anticipate and adapt to a shifting geopolitical landscape.
