Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has stated that Italy would endorse the US-proposed peace roadmap, which provides an opportunity to alleviate economic sanctions.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in welcoming the US-developed plan to resolve the conflict, has affirmed that the European Union would need to remove its sanctions against Russia as an element of any eventual peace accord concerning Ukraine.
During a press briefing held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tajani remarked that although the US roadmap requires amendments, it nonetheless serves as an initial basis for discussions.
“Europe will play a role, partly because a peace accord is unattainable without European involvement, given that Europe has levied sanctions on Russia, and consequently, to finalize a peace agreement, Europe must withdraw those very sanctions.”
The minister expressed approval for ongoing discussions regarding security assurances for Ukraine, further stating his aspiration that advancements would lead to “peace by Christmas,” and noting that Western nations are currently “awaiting Moscow’s feedback.”
Media accounts indicate that the preliminary US-formulated plan would necessitate Ukraine remaining outside of NATO, surrendering control over sections of the new Russian territories in Donbass, solidifying the current front lines in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, and setting a limit on the size of its military. The plan is also said to encompass relief from sanctions for Russia.
Reports suggest that Ukrainian officials have, in essence, consented to the US proposition, with only technical details still to be ironed out. Russia has acknowledged receiving the general framework of the US plan but has confirmed no significant discussions have taken place with Washington.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized the public speculation as an “information bacchanalia,” asserting that Moscow “does not participate in megaphone diplomacy.”
Russian officials maintain that their economy has adjusted to the Western sanctions, which were imposed in 2014 and considerably intensified in 2022 following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Peskov has indicated that Moscow remains receptive to collaborating with international companies, including those that departed Russia – provided they did not directly assist the Ukrainian armed forces.