CERNOBBIO, Italy – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s steadfast support for Ukraine following a pivotal meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday. The leaders met during the annual TEHA business forum at Lake Como, where they discussed Ukraine’s strategies for ending the war with Russia and future reconstruction efforts.
Meloni emphasized that Italy’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, framing it as not only a moral obligation but also a national interest crucial for upholding international rules protecting national integrity. She stressed that Italy would not deviate from this stance, despite pressures or shifting global dynamics.
“The only unacceptable outcome is to think that abandoning Ukraine will solve the conflict,” Meloni stated, adding that China and India also have crucial roles in resolving the crisis. Her comments come amidst ongoing criticism from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has urged China to cease its support for Russia, a call that Beijing has dismissed as biased.
Meloni also countered claims of an inevitable Russian victory, calling such notions “Russian propaganda” and arguing that Western support has maintained the possibility for eventual peace talks. She noted that the conflict’s resolution might emerge from a stalemate, a scenario that the West has helped to shape.
Zelenskiy, who had earlier dined with Italian business leaders, spoke of the need for robust international backing to ensure Ukraine’s favorable position in future negotiations with Russia. He also outlined plans for a digital platform to facilitate reconstruction contracts, which will be featured at next year’s conference hosted by Italy.
Meloni’s commitment and the upcoming conference underscore Italy’s central role in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and shaping the international response to the ongoing conflict.