Italy’s Defence Minister remarked on Monday that economic sanctions imposed on Russia had failed to yield the desired results and urged the Western nations to step up diplomatic negotiations with President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking to the daily Il Messaggero, Guido Crosetto expressed the opinion that the West had mistakenly assumed that its sanctions would deter Russian aggression, overestimating its economic influence on the global stage. “Instead,” Crosetto contended, “the only effective approach to resolving this crisis is to engage all parties, initially to secure a ceasefire and subsequently to pursue peace.”
In response to challenges from the interviewer regarding Putin’s apparent reluctance to participate in negotiations, Crosetto stressed the importance of maintaining diplomatic efforts. “That,” he affirmed, “is all the more reason for us to redouble our efforts. We must explore every possible avenue of diplomacy, no matter how narrow.”
Despite advocating for diplomatic solutions, Crosetto defended Italy’s decision to continue supplying arms to Ukraine, arguing that this was necessary to buy time and create conditions conducive to achieving a ceasefire and eventual peace.
As Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven major democracies, it finds itself in a crucial position to advocate for diplomatic resolutions to international conflicts.
Crosetto also cautioned against the potential repercussions of a Russian occupation of Kyiv, suggesting that it would inevitably lead to confrontation with other nations unwilling to accept Russian military presence on their borders.
Furthermore, the Italian minister criticised Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia last summer, describing it as a strategic mistake given Russia’s military superiority. Crosetto claimed to have personally warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about the futility of the operation but lamented that his advice went unheeded.
