Meloni Advocates for EU-Russia Dialogue to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed on Friday that the European Union should reinstigate high-level discussions with Russia as Brussels aims to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict, advocating for the appointment of a special envoy.

«I believe the moment has arrived for Europe to engage in dialogue with Russia,» the far-right leader stated during a New Year’s press conference.

«If Europe chooses to participate in this current phase of negotiations by only communicating with one party involved… its potential positive impact would be quite limited.»

Meloni mentioned her agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, who noted in December that it could be «beneficial» for Europe to renew discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine situation.

Since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, EU-Russia relations have been essentially halted, placing Washington in the forefront of negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.

Consequently, European leaders are striving to influence the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Meloni remarked that it remains unclear who would represent the EU during these discussions.

«This has been a challenge since the negotiation process began. There are numerous voices and formats present,» she noted.

«For this reason, I have consistently supported the idea of appointing a special European envoy to address the Ukraine issue… someone who can consolidate our position and help us communicate with a unified voice.»

However, she stated it is premature to consider Russia’s return to what is now the Group of Seven (G7), formerly known as the Group of Eight (G8) of developed nations.

«At this point, it seems improbable to me that, for instance, Russia would rejoin the G7,» she added.

Meloni has firmly stood by Ukraine since the onset of the conflict.