Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed disappointment over the tense meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28, 2025. Meloni, speaking soon after the encounter, emphasized the necessity of open discussions between allies. She remarked, "Dividing the West would be a grave mistake," underscoring the importance of unity among Western countries amid growing global tensions.
Travelling to London on March 2, 2025, for bilateral meetings, Meloni met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer before the Leaders' Summit on Ukraine, where discussions about coordinated efforts against Russian aggression were high on the agenda. During talks with Zelensky, Meloni reaffirmed Italy's commitment to achieving a "just and lasting peace" and stressed the need for Western solidarity.
At the summit, which brought together leaders from several nations, Meloni reiterated her concerns about the rift caused by the recent confrontation between Trump and Zelensky. It was reported, the Oval Office meeting escalated to shouting as Trump accused Zelensky of ingratitude and threatened to withdraw U.S. support for Ukraine, leading to widespread reactions from allies who voiced concern over potential ramifications for regional security.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk publicly endorsed Meloni’s proposal for hosting a U.S.-EU summit to bridge transatlantic ties, mentioning it would be discussed at the extraordinary European Council meeting scheduled for March 6. Citing the increased cyber threats Italy faces from Russian-linked groups—evidenced by the rise from 5,509 attacks in 2021 to over 12,000 attacks per year since—Meloni highlighted the imperative of collective security agreements.
While addressing the leaders, she warned against alternative security frameworks to NATO, labeling them "not particularly smart." Her remarks pointed to the centrality of NATO for European security, and she reassured allies of Italy's commitment to military aid alongside diplomatic efforts.
Meloni also voiced concerns over Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on European imports, stating such measures would be catastrophic for Italy's export-driven economy. Nevertheless, she maintained hope for resolving tensions through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The urgency to maintain Western unity was evident as European leaders, including British Prime Minister Starmer, committed to sending troops to Ukraine as part of future peacekeeping efforts. Starmer announced the UK’s allocation of £1.6 billion (€1.94 billion) worth of export financing to provide 5,000 air defense missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, reinforcing the coalition’s resolve against Russian aggression.
Meloni’s warnings echoed throughout the discussions, where she emphasized, "The only thing we cannot afford is a peace without permanence. Ukraine cannot afford it, nor can Europe, nor can the United States. For God's sake, everything can explode; it's not good news. I will do everything to keep the West united and strong." Her comments reflect broader anxieties among European leaders about the shifting political landscapes affecting transatlantic relations.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also asserted Canada’s firm stance alongside Zelensky, reiteratively distancing himself from Trump’s brash remarks about U.S. trade relations with Canadian allies. Trudeau spoke against Trump's tariffs, which he previously enacted, expressing solidarity with Zelensky's assertion about Russia’s unreliability.
With these events, anticipation builds for the upcoming extraordinary European Council meeting, where continued support for Ukraine and mutual defense will be at the forefront of discussions. European leaders will convene once more to strategize on these pressing concerns, underlining the need for cooperative security measures as the conflict continues to brew.