Italian PM calls for renewed EU dialogue with Moscow

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Europe should restore direct communication with Moscow to maintain influence in negotiations aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Speaking at a press conference on January 9, Meloni echoed comments by French President Emmanuel Macron on the need for direct dialogue with Russia. She said Europe risks marginalising itself if it remains outside talks with Moscow, Caliber.Az reports via Italian media. 

She agreed with Macron, noting that the has come for Europe to talk to Russia.

"Otherwise our influence will be limited. But the question is who should do it. We must not act chaotically, otherwise we will play into Putin’s hands," she added. 

At the same time, Meloni cautioned against moving too quickly on broader diplomatic normalisation, saying discussions about Russia’s possible return to the G8 are premature. Russia was expelled from the group in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea.

By Sabina Mammadli