(Adnkronos) – A peace deal to end Russia’s four-and-a-half-year-old invasion of Ukraine is a “long way off” but Europe can play a crucial role in reaching that goal, Italy said Tuesday. US mediated negotiations between Moscow and Kiev have remained stalled since February when US and Israel began military strikes on Iran, triggering a wider regional war.
“In this context, role that Europe can play is vital,” foreign minister Antonio Tajani told a joint session of the upper and low house of the Italian parliament’s foreign affairs and defence committees.
“This government fully supports the fundamental role that Europe can play in the final negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, Tajani said.
“We have also imposed sanctions and continue to do so. Without the lifting of sanctions, it will be difficult to reach an agreement with Russia. That is is still a long way off,” Tajani continued.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the leaders of Britain, Germany and France said they backed a proposal by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky for direct dialogue with Russia on a ceasfire, with active US and European participation.
There are currently no plans for a telephone call between US president Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continue to maintain contacts with both Russia and Ukraine, Peskov added.
