Italian foreign minister opposes Western arms in attacks on Russia
The head of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, has again expressed opposition to using Western weapons provided to Ukraine for attacks on Russia. "What are we supposed to agree to, bombing Moscow?" he asked in a Friday interview with the newspaper "Corriere della Sera."
Aug 31, 2024 | updated: 12:20 PM EDT, August 31, 2024
Italian MFA opposes the use of weapons on Russia
"Italy's stance is balanced and responsible," Tajani stated during the interview, emphasizing that the country supports Ukraine comprehensively and without any conditions. "We stand by Ukraine without any 'buts.' We have provided it with military, political, and humanitarian assistance," he added, recalling nine government military support packages.
The minister also announced plans to organize a conference on the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine in June 2025 and to work on a peace conference. "But we are not in a state of war with Russia. What are we supposed to agree to, bombing Moscow?" he reiterated, adding, "Where would the limit be?"
Tajani emphasized the need to avoid escalating the conflict, noting, "We need to be serious, avoiding any escalation."
Referring to the stance of the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, who advocated lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons, Tajani noted that Borrell's opinions are his personal views and do not reflect the positions of EU member states, which have different legal regulations. He also pointed out that the Spanish politician's term is ending soon.