Following Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also stated that India can play a crucial role in ending the Ukraine war. Russia and Ukraine have been entangled in this conflict since February 2022. Meloni made these remarks at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Saturday, shortly after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During her address, Meloni highlighted that the Ukrainian President was present on stage with her.
In her speech, Giorgia Meloni asserted, 'It is clear that violations of international laws will escalate conflicts and crises. However, it’s equally clear that as crises deepen, the global economy will naturally be affected. Violating international laws and economic globalization cannot coexist. I believe that China and India’s roles could be vital in resolving this conflict. The only thing we cannot do is think that the conflict can be resolved by leaving Ukraine out.'
Support for Ukraine Comes First for Italy: Meloni
Meloni stated, 'For Italy, the choice to support Ukraine has always been a matter of national interest, and this stance will not change.' During his visit to Ukraine on August 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in direct talks with Russia, emphasizing that there should be no delay in ending the war. Notably, this was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since it became an independent country in 1991. Shortly after his return from Ukraine, PM Modi communicated with US President Joe Biden and then Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone.
India Can Play a Role in Peace Talks: Putin
A couple of days ago, Vladimir Putin also acknowledged that India could play a significant role in finding a solution to the ongoing regional crisis. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin emphasized that the agreements reached during the Istanbul talks, which were not implemented, could serve as the foundation for future peace discussions. He mentioned that three countries, including India, were in contact with him regarding the Ukraine conflict and conveyed their sincere efforts to resolve the crisis.
We Never Refused Peace Talks: Putin
Putin said, 'Are we ready to negotiate with them (Ukraine)? We have never refused to do so. However, the talks will be based on the documents agreed upon in Istanbul.' Furthermore, he suggested that China, India, and Brazil could potentially act as intermediaries in future peace negotiations related to Ukraine.
Supporting Ukraine is Morally Right: Meloni
Previously, Russia said Ukraine’s intrusion into the Kursk region made peace talks impossible. Putin's statement came weeks after PM Modi emphasized 'India’s firm commitment to supporting a prompt, lasting, and peaceful resolution of the conflict' during his visits to Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni assured that Italy will never back down from its support for Ukraine. She said, 'Supporting Ukraine is not only the morally right decision but also in our national interest. The goal is to protect the rules established to safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity.'
