Meloni Calls Trump’s Russian Diesel Pact a Hazardous Move That Bolsters Moscow

Meloni warned that the agreement between Trump and Putin to purchase Russian diesel represents a very risky decision and serves to legitimize Moscow while its bombardment of Ukrainian cities continues.

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Speaking in Parliament ahead of her trip to Brussels for the European Council, the Italian prime minister warned that the deal implicitly weakens the sanctions regime, contrary to efforts by the United States and others to bring Putin to the negotiating table.

Reactions from Kyiv and Moscow to Meloni’s Comments

Regarding Putin, Meloni said he is provoking Europe to divert attention from the course of the conflict and seeking a new adversary, while emphasizing that Italy’s stance on Ukraine remains unchanged.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in London on Wednesday, posted on X to thank Meloni for recognizing the aggressor and for advocating a dignified and lasting peace.

In a UK interview, the Ukrainian president added that it is painful to see President Trump taking a different side, hinting at the alleged failure of the US Starlink satellite network to supply data on incoming Russian missiles during recent assaults on Ukraine.

The response from Moscow was markedly different. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Italian outlets that Meloni’s comments were “none of her business.”

Italy Calls for E3 to Negotiate on Behalf of All

Meloni also addressed Europe’s role at the negotiating table, noting that France, Germany and the United Kingdom have already taken independent steps within the E3 format. She argued that if they believe they can act more effectively alone, they should at least do so on behalf of everyone and with a mandate from all member states.

What matters to me, she said, is that Europe does not proceed in a fragmented manner, does not open itself to those who profit from division, and speaks with a single voice. She urged the twenty‑seven to appoint a respected figure endowed with a collective mandate to represent Europe’s voice, adding that if consensus on a name cannot be reached, alternative solutions are ready to be considered.

Nevertheless, Italy’s governing coalition is itself split on Ukraine’s future.

Meloni reminded legislators that the government’s Ukraine policy mirrors the platform on which it was elected, addressing members of Futuro Nazionale, the far‑right party founded by MEP Roberto Vannacci.

Her deputy prime minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, however, warned that Italy cannot keep sending billions to Ukraine as outright gifts. He pointed out at a press briefing in the European Parliament that other EU nations, including Belgium and Spain, continue to purchase energy and gas from Russia.

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