Italy’s Meloni Promises Support for Ukraine Following Meeting with Zelenskiy

CERNOBBIO, Italy – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed her strong support for Ukraine following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday. The two leaders discussed Ukraine’s strategies for ending the war with Russia and the nation’s reconstruction efforts.

During their encounter at the annual TEHA business forum held by Lake Como, Meloni emphasized that Italy would not waver in its support for Ukraine. She stated that backing Ukraine was not only a moral obligation but was also crucial for national interests, as it supports rules that protect a nation’s integrity.

"This is a choice that will not change," Meloni asserted, while also highlighting the roles of China and India in resolving the conflict. She declared, "The only thing that cannot happen is to believe that this conflict can be resolved by abandoning Ukraine."

On a related note, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had called on China to cease its support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, labeling Beijing’s assistance as a significant factor prolonging the war. China has previously dismissed similar claims by NATO as biased and malicious.

Meloni referred to the notion that the war’s outcome is already predetermined as "Russian propaganda." She stated that Western support has fostered the potential for future peace talks. "With an invasion, peace talks are absent; a need for negotiation arises only when there is a stalemate… a stalemate we have helped to create," she explained.

Zelenskiy, while addressing the forum, stressed the necessity of unwavering support from allies to strengthen Ukraine’s position in any future negotiations with Russia. In a post on X, he mentioned discussions with Meloni regarding his peace initiatives and reconstruction strategies, particularly focusing on Ukraine’s energy sector.

Prior to their official meeting, Zelenskiy enjoyed a dinner with numerous Italian business leaders, engaging in discussions about next year’s reconstruction conference. During this gathering, he conveyed that companies would have the opportunity to bid for contracts, and that a digital platform for the reconstruction event would soon be launched.