Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing her commitment to aiding the country as it navigates its ongoing conflict with Russia and plans for post-war reconstruction. This assurance came during a significant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held on the sidelines of the annual TEHA business forum at the picturesque Lake Como on Saturday.
The forum provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Ukraine's strategies to bring an end to the war and the steps necessary for rebuilding the nation. Meloni's statements underscored Italy's dedication to supporting Ukraine, which she described as not only a moral obligation but also a crucial step in upholding international laws designed to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meloni’s firm stance reflects a broader European commitment to Ukraine, and she made it clear that Italy would not deviate from this path. "It's a choice that won't change," she asserted, stressing that Italy’s support is essential to countering aggression and ensuring global stability. She also called upon other influential nations, notably China and India, to play a more active role in resolving the conflict. She emphasized that the idea of solving the conflict by abandoning Ukraine is not viable, asserting that continued support is necessary to achieving a peaceful resolution.
In this context, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent comments urging China to cease its support for Russia were echoed by Meloni. Stoltenberg had highlighted China's assistance to Russia as a key factor prolonging the war, a stance that China has criticized as biased. Meloni’s remarks align with broader Western efforts to pressure global actors to contribute to ending the conflict and supporting Ukraine.
Meloni rejected suggestions that the outcome of the war is already predetermined, labeling such views as "Russian propaganda." She argued that Western support has been instrumental in creating conditions conducive to future peace talks. "With an invasion, you don't have peace talks; they emerge from a stalemate, which we have contributed to creating," she explained. This perspective underscores the ongoing role of international aid in shaping the dynamics of the conflict.
President Zelenskyy, in his address at the forum, reiterated the necessity for continued and robust support from Ukraine's allies to secure a strong negotiating position with Russia. He also used the opportunity to discuss his broader vision for Ukraine's reconstruction, particularly focusing on rebuilding the country's energy infrastructure, which has been critically damaged during the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader also participated in a dinner with Italian business leaders, where he outlined the forthcoming Ukraine reconstruction conference that Italy will host next year. Zelenskyy announced that this conference would open doors for businesses to engage in reconstruction efforts through bidding processes. Additionally, he revealed plans to launch a digital platform aimed at facilitating the coordination and execution of reconstruction projects, thus providing a structured approach to the rebuilding phase.
Overall, the events at Lake Como and the subsequent discussions highlight the ongoing international commitment to supporting Ukraine through both immediate conflict resolution and long-term reconstruction efforts. Italy's role in hosting the upcoming conference and the active engagement of global leaders reinforce the international community's dedication to aiding Ukraine's recovery and ensuring a sustainable path to peace.
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