Meloni targeted Trump's Russia deal: Provides legitimacy to Moscow

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to the diesel supply agreement made by the US President Donald Trump administration with Russia.

In his speech in parliament on Wednesday, October 14, before the European Union (EU) summit to be held this week, Meloni stated that the agreement contradicts international efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiation table with Ukraine.

Within the scope of the agreement reached between the USA and Russia last week, it was decided that Moscow would supply over 300 thousand metric tons of diesel to the USA and global markets in the first stage.

Pointing out the uncertainties regarding the results of the agreement, Meloni argued that the decision could provide economic and political advantage to Russia.

Meloni said, "The outcome of this decision is uncertain, but its risks are clear. While bombs continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, it provides legitimacy to Moscow, creates new revenue to finance the war, and indirectly weakens the effectiveness of sanctions."

The Italian Prime Minister emphasized that the agreement in question is incompatible with the aim of Western countries to force Putin to negotiate by increasing the economic pressure on Russia.

REACTION FROM ZELENSKY TO THE AGREEMENT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski also criticized the agreement reached between Washington and Moscow.

Zelenski evaluated the agreement as "an investment in a war that must be ended."

US President Donald Trump argued that supplying diesel from Russia would help reduce energy prices in his country.

Trump's statement came at a time when rising fuel prices put political pressure on the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections to be held on November 3 in the USA that will determine control of Congress.

In his speech in parliament, Meloni also touched upon diplomatic initiatives regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Arguing that the 27 members of the EU should appoint an authorized representative to conduct negotiations on behalf of Europe, Meloni also brought up the option of giving official negotiation authority to the E3 Group, consisting of Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

"If France, Germany and England think they can do better alone than all of us can do together, they should at least do it on behalf of everyone and with official authority," Meloni said.

"WE MUST PROTECT OUR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE"

The Italian Prime Minister announced that Russia's hybrid attacks against European countries will also be discussed at the EU summit.

Drawing attention to UAV violations, cyber attacks, sabotage activities and secret operations, Meloni said that such initiatives aim to weaken the support given to Ukraine.

Emphasizing that Europe needs to take more precautions to protect its critical infrastructure, Meloni stated that the security of energy networks, submarine cables, ports and airports are among the priority issues.

Meloni also pointed out Italy's expertise in the field of underwater security and stated that European countries should strengthen cooperation in this field.