Tajani States Premature to Discuss Month-Long Ukraine Truce

Algiers: Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday stated that discussing a month-long truce in Ukraine was premature, in response to a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Algiers. Tajani emphasized the need for Europe and the United States to collaborate with Ukraine and Russia to establish a fair and long-lasting peace.

According to Ansa News Agency, Tajani remarked that it is essential for Europe to remain united to ensure Ukraine’s independence. He asserted that Europe, alongside NATO, will remain responsible for the security of Ukraine and the entire continent. Tajani also urged caution regarding a European military presence in Ukraine, suggesting that careful reflection is necessary before proceeding.

Tajani proposed the creation of a buffer zone after the war, with a military presence under the United Nations’ aegis, to ensure fair and enduring peace. He indicated that Italy might consider deploying troops in future buffer zones in Ukraine as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, though he doubted the usefulness of European or NATO troops.

On Sunday, Premier Giorgia Meloni acknowledged the contributions of France and the UK to a Ukraine peace plan at a London summit. However, she expressed reservations about using European troops to enforce any peace deal. Tajani also advocated for a summit between Europe and the United States to discuss a fair peace plan, emphasizing the importance of Western unity.

Meloni echoed the call for a US-EU summit to develop a just and lasting peace plan for Ukraine, warning against dividing the West over the issue. She highlighted the necessity for a meeting to candidly address the challenges, beyond just the peace in Ukraine, at a press briefing in London.