Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s cease-fire offer for Ukraine as “propaganda” during the Group of Seven summit in Italy. At the summit, a deal was reached for a $50 billion loan to Ukraine provided by the U.S., U.K., Canada, and possibly Japan. The loan agreement was made using frozen Russian assets as collateral, mainly located in Europe. Meloni stated that Europe was already contributing by identifying the guarantee mechanism. Putin’s proposal for a cease-fire in Ukraine was seen by Meloni as more of a propaganda move than a genuine offer.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended the G7 summit as a guest, rejected Putin’s ultimatum to surrender more territory in exchange for a cease-fire. A peace conference for Ukraine hosted by Switzerland was held on Saturday, but with Russia absent, it was doubtful that any major breakthroughs could be achieved. During a news conference, Meloni addressed the conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for dialogue and recognizing the rights of both Israel and the Palestinians. She criticized Hamas for initiating the conflict by targeting civilians and stressed the importance of promoting peace through dialogue.
Meloni expressed satisfaction that the G7 addressed migratory flows and the fight against human traffickers for the first time. Known for her tough stance on migration, she highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration and enhancing border management. As one of the main entry points into the European Union for migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Italy is keen on increasing investment and funding to reduce migratory pressure on Europe. The G7 announced a coalition to counter migrant smuggling, focusing on addressing the root causes of migration, enhancing border management, and providing safe and regular pathways for migration.
The Italian premier emphasized the need to guarantee everyone’s right not to emigrate and to stay in their own homes. She underscored the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence between nations to address conflicts and promote stability. Meloni also cautioned Israel against falling into a trap set by Hamas, urging clear communication to ensure safety and security for all parties involved. Italy’s stance on addressing conflicts through dialogue and supporting initiatives to combat human trafficking and irregular migration was reflected in the G7’s final summit communique. The coalition formed by the G7 aims to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, strengthen border management, and promote safe migration pathways. Italy’s efforts at the G7 summit demonstrate a commitment to addressing global challenges through collaboration and dialogue.
