NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS) – Support for Ukraine, but with the aim of arriving at a ceasefire and bringing the parts to the negotiating table. This is the message taken by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to the United Nations Security Council, meeting in New York on Ukraine.
“It is time for Russia to commit itself seriously and constructively in the negotiations,” said Tajani, reasserting that Italy remains alongside Ukraine and condemns Russian attacks on civilians and energy infrastructures, as well as the growing hybrid threats that, according to Rome, threaten European security. At the same time, the minister stressed the need to avoid further escalation: “We want to be very clear: Italy is not at war with the Russian Federation”.
Tajani assured that Moscow will always find Italy ready to support the dialogue and the search for a diplomatic solution, but remembering that Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has a special responsibility. He therefore thanked the American administration for the efforts made to facilitate dialogue, while also emphasizing the role of Europe: “Nothing on Ukraine without Ukraine. And nothing about European security without Europe.” The minister also recalled the appeals to the peace of Pope Leo XIV: “Publishing is the only path to follow.”
Part of the intervention was dedicated to humanitarian emergency on the eve of a new winter. Tajani renewed the request for immediate ceasefire, calling it “an urgent humanitarian need”. “ Too many lives have been lost, too many children cannot go to school, too many families have suffered,” he said.
Rome is preparing a new package of support for the Ukrainian energy sector, which will include new generators and homeless household aid. Italy, Tajani added, will also continue to be “in the forefront” in the reconstruction of Ukraine, even with the contribution of Italian companies.
The Minister then recalled the global consequences of the war on Ukrainian exports of wheat and cereals. The blocking or reduction of flows, he stressed, mainly affects the most vulnerable economies, raising the cost of cereals, fertilizers and, ultimately, “the price of bread for millions of families”. Tajani reiterated the importance of freedom and safety of navigation and recalled the “Coalition of Rome”, promoted by Italy to improve access to wheat and fertilizers, reduce tensions and identify alternative trade routes.
Tajani’s intervention came after the joint declaration signed in the morning by Italy along with Ukraine, the European Union and over 50 countries. In the document the signatories asked Russia to accept an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and to engage in negotiations for a just and lasting peace. They also asked for the return of civilians detained, deported or transferred by force, including children, and prisoners of war.
“The position of Italy is clear,” said Tajani: continue to support Ukraine, work for a ceasefire and return the parts to the negotiating table. “Peace cannot be built by renouncing our principles. Peace must be built by defending our principles through dialogue.”.
– Photos: Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
