Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni caught many by surprise during the G20 summit this week when she revealed that she found a willingness from U.S. President Donald Trump to amend the 28-point U.S. peace plan for Ukraine. The plan, initially presented by Washington, outlines measures for ending the war in Ukraine, covering topics like territorial control, reconstruction funding, and security arrangements to achieve lasting peace.
Italy Pushes for Change in U.S. Peace Plan
Meloni, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, said that the discussions in Geneva are ongoing and that the focus is on producing a clear and workable proposal. She highlighted that the goal is to create a plan that protects Ukrainian sovereignty while also ensuring European peace and security. According to Meloni, Trump showed openness to adjust the plan based on concerns raised by European and G7 leaders.
The Italian leader stressed that any changes would carefully address key points such as territorial arrangements and security guarantees. She specifically referred to Italy’s Article Five model as an inspiration. NATO’s foundation includes Article Five, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all. Meloni suggested framing Ukraine’s peace and security along similar lines to give the country stronger international backing.
Europe’s Role and Ukraine’s Peace Challenges
Meloni also took the opportunity to emphasize Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine’s peace efforts. She mentioned the region’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas, which has been a critical issue since the war began. By cutting reliance on Russian energy, European countries aim to limit Moscow’s influence while providing steady support to Kyiv, helping create the conditions for peace.
In addition to energy and territorial issues, Meloni highlighted the importance of Ukrainian institutions staying strong and addressing corruption. Even amid the chaos of war, she said, Ukraine must focus on governance and accountability to secure long-term peace. This point reflects concerns among European nations that lasting peace in Ukraine will depend not just on military success, but also on strong civil and government institutions.
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While speaking about the broader European role, Meloni did not shy away from showing Italy’s independent stance. Some observers note that her approach could differ from the positions of other European Union members, raising questions about whether Italy is charting its own path on Russia while still supporting Ukraine’s peace efforts.
Key Points of Discussion in Geneva for Ukraine
The discussions in Geneva, as described by Meloni, are centered on producing a “black-and-white” peace proposal. This means that the plan would be clear, straightforward, and actionable, leaving little room for ambiguity. Key areas under discussion include:
- Territorial Arrangements: Determining which regions remain under Ukrainian control and how borders are secured to maintain peace.
- Reconstruction Funding: Planning international financial aid to help Ukraine rebuild after extensive wartime damage.
- Security Guarantees: Developing a framework to protect Ukraine from future attacks, potentially using NATO-like mechanisms as a guide for peace and security.
Meloni emphasized that the work is ongoing and that there is a positive atmosphere in the discussions. She made it clear that Italy is committed to a peace deal that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty, European security, and stability in the region.
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The Prime Minister’s statements mark a notable moment in international diplomacy. By suggesting that Trump is willing to adjust the peace plan and highlighting Italy’s active role in shaping proposals, Meloni has positioned her country as a central player in a process that usually involves larger alliances like the EU and NATO.
Analysts note that her remarks come at a time when European nations are carefully balancing their support for Ukraine while managing their own energy security and political interests. Italy’s emphasis on concrete, actionable steps reflects a desire for clarity and results, rather than long debates about peace.