The President of Italy on his vision of ending the war in Ukraine

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the UN General Assembly on May 7, noted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not just a regional conflict.

He stated that peace in Ukraine is possible only after the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country is restored, and not when Russia is rewarded for aggression, writes AR agency

Mattarella noted that Italy, which currently chairs the G7, and many international partners have come to the defense of Ukraine to support the principle of solidarity with states that are being attacked in violation of the UN Charter:

“No state, no matter how powerful or equipped with a menacing nuclear arsenal, can contemplate violating principles including the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of another country without being subject to sanctions.”

The Italian President noted that the end of two world wars and the collapse of the Soviet Union brought new hope to Europe, and Russia bears great historical responsibility for returning war to the heart of the European continent. He stressed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not just a regional conflict. The war in Ukraine has led to food and energy shortages, especially in parts of Africa.

Mattarella added that the peace dividend that encouraged allocation of resources to development rather than weapons at the end of the Cold War was lost as Russia turned back the clock and began a new arms race.

The war in Ukraine is now in its third year, he noted, and Italy, its international partners and people around the world are committed to achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict:

“But not any solution, let alone one that would reward the aggressor and humiliate those he attacked, setting a dangerous precedent for all. If peace is to be just and lasting, it must be based on the noble and inalienable principles of international law and UN Charter”.

Meanwhile, the Italian government stated that the weapons provided by the country to the Ukrainian armed forces can only be used within the borders of Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also does not support sending Western troops to Ukraine.

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