One year ago, Giorgia Meloni she had gone on a super secret mission to Mar-a-Lago to extract from Donald Trump the promise of a direct US commitment for the release of the Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, illegitimately detained in Iran. Gambling, but cashing in on one of his government’s greatest diplomatic successes. A year later, together with the other European leaders, the prime minister looks with concern at the tycoon’s residence in Palm Beach, where Volodymyr Zelensky is accepted, but only after an hour and a half phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin. And if it is true that it takes two to make peace, it is equally true that among the few certainties of the European chancelleries there is the almost granitic awareness that the American president leans towards one of the two sides involved, opposite to that supported by the Europeans. When it is already evening in the Old Continent, all the spotlights are on Mar-a-Lago, where the outcome of an armored confrontation is awaited. Following, Meloni and the other leaders connected to Trump’s residence to take stock. The Prime Minister once again “reminded the importance of cohesion between partners at a time when the negotiation process marks progress”, reiterating “the need to maintain maximum convergence on issues that affect the vital interests of Ukraine and its European partners”. Read safety. Meloni is worried, she sees glimmers of hope but there is a strong fear of giving Putin the upper hand. In the note issued by Palazzo Chigi at the end of the call, it is no coincidence that Russia is asked to “demonstrate a sense of responsibility and openness to negotiation, showing a real desire to bring about a cessation of hostilities”.
It also takes away the Prime Minister’s sleep news of new nuclear-capable missiles deployed by Moscow at a former air base in eastern Belarus. A disturbing development that could strengthen Russia’s ability to attack across Europe. And one more reason, Meloni reasons, to keep the States firmly on board, despite Trump’s excesses. In a war that risks being unsustainable for the EU, militarily and economically. Not only that. “It would be absurd – reason government sources – to remain out of the reconstruction game after Europe, including Italy, supported the Ukrainian cause by paying a very high price, also in economic terms”. Furthermore, last but not least, the new bribery scandal involving several Ukrainian parliamentarians is worrying, and which risks weakening Zelensky even more than it already is. For the rest, Meloni remains on the route followed so far: no to Italian soldiers in Ukraine, support for Kiev as long as it is needed, solid guarantees to secure peace, let the Ukrainians decide on their territory. And, it goes without saying, maintaining a strong common front with the States. «Europe has an important game to play – says Antonio Tajani, guest of Zona Bianca – we must be united together with the USA, we can be a great interlocutor to end a season of war».
THE CDM
Meanwhile, today the green light will arrive for the aid decree for Kiev. The bill has to be done, no one has ever questioned it despite the brutal declarations from the Northern League. Matteo Salvini and his men still planted their flags, obtaining that in the framework law to continue sending aid to Ukraine for another year there was a clear reference to the peace negotiations led by the US and to aid for civilians, which to be honest have always been part of the package. But verba volant, scripta manent, and there’s no question of putting down in black and white that Italy will not only send weapons, tracked vehicles and ammunition to Ukraine, but also humanitarian, logistical and energy aid, as it has always done in these four years of war. To this end, the text has been reshaped: the draft is made up of three articles, with a reference to the “priority” character to be given to civil aid and “defensive” weapons. Another innovation compared to the past is the obligation to have insurance and health coverage for freelance journalists working in conflict areas.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Comments and background on the political landscape
Sign up and receive news via email
