Meloni Calls for Single EU Representative in Negotiations to End Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for the European Union to appoint a single representative to participate in negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Meloni argued that fragmented diplomatic efforts weaken the EU's credibility and risk sidelining the bloc in the peace process. She proposed discussing this issue at an informal meeting of EU leaders in Dublin next week and requested a decision to be made before the end of the year.

Meloni emphasized that she does not seek a separate seat for Italy at the negotiating table but rather a common representative with a defined mandate. She warned that failing to do so could condemn Europe to an insignificant role in the negotiations. European leaders have stressed the importance of involvement in discussions regarding Ukraine's future security and any potential peace settlement.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including a joint phone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the need for direct negotiations to achieve peace. EU representatives are also holding consultations with Ukraine on postwar recovery and security guarantees, and are expected to participate in upcoming talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi.