Friday, January 9, 2026- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has aligned with French President Emmanuel Macron in calling for renewed European engagement with Russia as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic strategy within the European Union.
Speaking at a press conference, Meloni said the time has come for Europe to reopen direct dialogue with Moscow, echoing Macron’s recent comments that sustained communication is necessary to influence the direction of any future peace process. Both leaders argue that excluding Russia from talks weakens Europe’s ability to shape outcomes and assert its strategic role.
Meloni emphasized that any outreach must be coordinated at the European level, warning that fragmented or unilateral initiatives could undermine the bloc’s leverage and play into Moscow’s hands. She suggested the appointment of a dedicated EU envoy to manage contacts with the Kremlin, aiming to ensure consistency and clarity in Europe’s messaging.
Despite the push for dialogue, she acknowledged that Russia has yet to demonstrate meaningful willingness to compromise on core security and political demands.
The call for talks comes as pressure grows within Europe to balance continued support for Ukraine with active diplomatic efforts to reduce the risk of prolonged conflict.
While discussions about Russia’s possible reintegration into broader international forums remain highly sensitive and, according to Meloni, premature, the renewed emphasis on dialogue reflects a growing urgency among European leaders to explore all viable paths toward de-escalation and stability.
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