Tajani Considers UN Troops for Ukraine Buffer Zones

Rome: Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has indicated that Italy might consider deploying troops in future buffer zones in Ukraine, but only under a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Tajani emphasized that he did not see European or NATO troops as beneficial in the region.

According to Ansa News Agency, Tajani, who is also the leader of the centre-right Forza Italia party, made these remarks while speaking on the sidelines of a Lower House session. He clarified, “troops were never discussed and I don’t think it is useful to send European or NATO troops to Ukraine.” He further stated that if there is a need to create a buffer zone, it should only involve troops under the UN flag, similar to international peacekeeping efforts in Palestine, ensuring a neutral stance.

Tajani highlighted that any interposition force must operate under the United Nations to maintain neutrality. His comments come after expressing skepticism about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to deploy 30,000 European troops in Ukraine to support a potential US-brokered ceasefire.

Earlier, government sources mentioned that the concept of sending Italian troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, contingent on achieving a ceasefire, was not under consideration. This sentiment was also echoed by Government Programme Implementation Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari, who stated that while France supports sending European troops for a military cordon, Italy does not view it as the most effective approach.