Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone on Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ahead of his planned visits to London, Brussels and Rome for talks focused on advancing the peace process, her office said. The discussion comes as diplomatic momentum builds around efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict.
Italy Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
According to a statement from Meloni’s office, the Italian leader reaffirmed her government’s solidarity with Kyiv following what she described as a new wave of “indiscriminate” Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. She announced that Italy would send emergency aid, including power generators supplied by Italian firms, to help Ukraine maintain its energy grid and support affected communities through the winter months.
“The generators will be shipped in the coming weeks,” the statement said, underscoring Italy’s commitment to backing Ukraine both militarily and humanitarianly. Meloni also reiterated Rome’s support for international efforts to secure a “just and lasting peace,” led by the United States and European partners.
She praised Ukraine’s “constructive approach” in peace consultations and called on Moscow to demonstrate a similar willingness to engage in dialogue.
Renewed Diplomatic Push for Peace
Zelenskiy’s upcoming visits to European capitals are expected to focus on coordinating positions with key allies as negotiations to end the war enter a new phase. His meetings in London, Brussels, and Rome will form part of broader consultations aimed at shaping a potential settlement framework.
Earlier on Sunday, the outgoing U.S. envoy for Ukraine under President Donald Trump said that a deal to end the war was “really close,” noting that only two major issues remained unresolved. However, the Kremlin dismissed the claim, saying substantial changes to U.S. proposals were still required before progress could be made.
Despite the diplomatic optimism, analysts caution that significant gaps remain between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington over the terms of any ceasefire or future security guarantees.
Italy’s Role in the Peace Process
Since taking office, Meloni has maintained a strong pro-Ukraine stance within the European Union, balancing her domestic political priorities with firm backing for Western unity against Russian aggression. Italy has contributed military aid, energy assistance and humanitarian support while also advocating for a sustainable peace based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As the war nears its fourth year, Zelenskiy’s latest round of diplomacy underscores both the urgency and complexity of reaching an agreement acceptable to all parties. Meloni’s reaffirmation of support suggests Italy remains a committed partner in those efforts.
(with inputs from Reuters)
