Italian PM Meloni Rejects Troop Deployment to Ukraine, Calls it ‘Difficult’ and ‘Ineffective’

New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has firmly rejected offers from both France and the United Kingdom to send Italian troops to Ukraine. Speaking to media, Meloni made Italy’s stance clear saying, "Italy has expressed doubts regarding the proposal of France and the UK on sending European troops. I think it is very difficult to implement, I am not sure about its effectiveness, that’s why we announced that we will not send Italian soldiers to Ukraine."  

Push for a Sustainable Peace Plan

Despite rejecting the troop deployment, Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to securing a lasting peace for Ukraine. "After all, everyone has the same goal—to bring just peace to Ukraine, sustainable and lasting peace, I’d say final peace. Thus, the key issue here is how to build the peace that would include security guarantees for Ukraine," she said.  

Tensions in US Leadership and Western Unity

Meloni also addressed the recent public clash between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and US Vice President JD Vance, describing it as an unusual public dispute. 

"This is not the kind of debate that is usually held in front of the cameras," she noted.

During a European leaders' summit in London, Meloni warned against divisions within the West. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, she stressed, “It is very, very important that we avoid the risk that the West divides.”  

European Leaders Seek Unified Approach

As part of a coordinated push for peace, Zelensky met with Meloni to discuss efforts to end the war. “No one is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war except for Putin,” Zelensky said. 

Meanwhile, Starmer announced that European leaders had agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States. “This is not a moment for more talk. It’s time to act,” he stated, urging decisive leadership.  

Concerns Over US Commitment

The European summit came just after Trump’s tense meeting with Zelensky. 

European leaders stressed the necessity of securing Washington’s backing. "Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong US backing," Starmer emphasized.  

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged greater defense spending, warning that Europe must make itself “indigestible for potential invaders.”