With Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni «we had an excellent and very in-depth conversation on all aspects of the diplomatic situation. We appreciate Italy’s active role in generating concrete ideas and defining measures to bring peace closer.” The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote this on social media after the hour and a half conversation at Palazzo Chigi with the Prime Minister.
Diplomatic coordination and Italian support
«I briefed you on the work of our negotiating team and we are coordinating our diplomatic efforts. We count a lot on Italy’s continued support: it is important for Ukraine,” he added.
Gratitude for energy assistance and aid to the population
«I would also like to express my gratitude for the energy assistance package and the necessary equipment – it is exactly what will support Ukrainian families, our people, our children and daily life in our cities and communities, which continue to suffer continuous Russian attacks. We must protect human lives. Thank you, Italy”, says Zelensky.
European leaders “I think they are weak”. Thus US President Donald Trump in an interview with Politico, adding however: “I think they want to be politically correct.” “I think they don’t know what to do, Europe doesn’t know what to do,” he added. «There is no doubt. It’s Russia. It’s a much bigger country. It is a war that should never have happened,” he then responded to the question of which country is currently in a stronger negotiating position.
“I know good leaders and stupid ones”
«I know them really well – says the US president speaking of European leaders – some are friends. Some are okay. I know good leaders. I know bad leaders. I know the smart ones. I know the stupid ones. There are also some really stupid ones. But they’re not doing a good job.”
“Europe talks too much and doesn’t produce”
«Europe – says Trump – is not doing a good job in many respects. They’re not doing a good job. They talk too much. And they’re not producing. We are talking about Ukraine. They speak but they don’t produce. And the war just keeps going on and on.” The US president renews his criticism of European migration policies: «If this continues, Europe will not be… in my opinion, many of those countries will no longer be sustainable countries. Their immigration policy is a disaster. What they are doing with immigration is a disaster.”
Criticisms of European migration policies
«I have no vision for Europe – adds Trump – All I want to see is a strong Europe. Look, I have a vision for the United States of America first and foremost. I explain to Europe why I think, I have eyes, I have ears. I have vast knowledge. I see what’s happening. I receive reports you will never see. And I think it’s horrible what’s happening to Europe. I think it is endangering Europe as we know it. Europe could be a completely different place.”