Italy is calling for peaceful negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war

The Defense Minister of Italy, Guido Crosetto, mentioned to the Italian parliament that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023 did not yield the expected outcome, signaling the need for a more pragmatic approach to the ongoing military situation. Crosetto emphasized the importance of adopting diplomatic efforts alongside providing military assistance to Ukraine, as he observed significant indications from both sides for such a move.

Crosetto highlighted Russia’s apparent willingness to engage in negotiations, contrasting it with what seems to be a less rigid stance from Ukraine compared to previous times. He pointed out internal divisions within Ukraine, suggesting varying levels of support for President Zelensky’s policies, which reveal disparities in the country’s political discourse.

Stressing the necessity of considering these complexities, Crosetto emphasized the path toward negotiations to resolve the conflict and pave the way for normalizing relations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as between Russia and Western nations. He underscored that such discussions do not imply Western acknowledgment of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory.