ROME, December 12 – Irritation is growing among allies within the Italian government as discussions intensify over the decree to extend military aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may also participate in a summit scheduled to take place in Berlin next week, either on Monday or Tuesday. While not yet official, sources suggest that, unlike a previous meeting in London where Meloni participated via video link, this time the format could be adjusted to allow for her physical presence. This move would further signal unity among European allies, especially as peace negotiations for Ukraine accelerate.
Meloni Engages in International Discussions on Ukraine
Yesterday, Prime Minister Meloni hosted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi at Palazzo Chigi. She also participated in a conference call of the ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ coordinated by France and Great Britain, which comprises over 30 nations supporting Ukraine. The meeting focused on the civil and military contributions that various states-European, NATO members, and even Asian countries like Japan and New Zealand-are prepared to offer in the event of a truce, peace agreements, and the subsequent reconstruction phase of Ukraine.
Officials at Palazzo Chigi stated after the meeting that the exchange of views among capitals, even those geographically distant, “served to strengthen the unity of many allies, particularly across the Atlantic, both on negotiations and on the reconstruction of Ukraine.”
Internal Political Strife Over Aid Decree
Domestically, however, controversies continue to plague the majority coalition regarding the decree extending military aid to Ukraine, which is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers by year-end. Following resistance and requests for a standstill from the Lega party-with Senator Claudio Borghi reiterating yesterday, “If the twelfth aid package is along the same lines as the eleventh, I will not vote for it”-Forza Italia has issued a stern warning to its allied party.
Raffaele Nevi, national spokesperson for Forza Italia, told Affaritaliani, “We have always maintained that the measure should be approved by the end of the year, within the framework of international and European agreements.” He added that if the Lega were not to vote in favor, “it would certainly be a serious political problem, there is no doubt.” Nevi continued, “If the Prime Minister brings such an important measure, and a force within the majority does not vote for it, a political problem would arise. We share the importance of negotiations. But at the same time, Prime Minister Meloni has assured the approval of the decree by December 31. Nobody likes to keep spending money, and we would all be happy not to do so anymore, but first, a just peace is needed.”
This statement has heightened tensions among allies, prompting a response from Maurizio Lupi, leader of Noi Moderati, who said, “I believe there are no difficulties; on foreign policy, we have always found a single line. I don’t see this discussion; I advise our friends in Forza Italia to lower their tones.”
European Defense Ministers Reaffirm Support
Yesterday also saw a videoconference among the Defense Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. During this meeting, as conveyed in a message shared by Guido Crosetto, Italy’s Minister of Defense, participants reaffirmed “our shared determination to proceed” with support for Ukraine and the strengthening of European defense.
Other related news includes Pier Silvio Berlusconi’s statement calling Meloni “the best prime minister in Europe,” and a “Politico” ranking placing Meloni ninth among Europe’s most powerful leaders, with Trump first and Putin fifth. Reports also suggest that the U.S. is pushing for a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbass, while Putin claims advances, and the White House indicates Trump’s frustration with both Kyiv and Moscow, desiring action over meetings. Europe is reportedly negotiating with Trump regarding Ukraine. Furthermore, Meloni has emphasized the indispensability of the U.S., and Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected at Palazzo Chigi today. Meloni also commented on migrants, stating that the centers in Albania have “opened the way in the EU.”
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/politica/25_dicembre_12/ucraina-decreto-meloni-25ef3ff5-9f11-4dbe-9bbe-c056d4e69xlk.shtml
