Italian, German leaders meet in Rome, discuss Ukraine talks, Mideast crisis

​​​​​​​By Baris Seckin and Merve Berker

ROME/ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Saturday in Rome, where they discussed European defense, irregular migration and international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Addressing reporters at a news conference after the meeting, Meloni said that although no direct meeting occurred between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents in Istanbul, the delegations viewed it as “a cautious first step” toward peace, with Türkiye and the US contributing to the process.

Emphasizing that a lasting and just peace would require clear security guarantees for Ukraine, which has been under attack, Meloni said Italy remains committed to supporting a diplomatic solution.

Commenting on the Israeli onslaught in Gaza, Meloni noted: “As friends of Israel, we cannot remain indifferent to what is happening in Gaza,” expressing support for a two-state solution and endorsing a reconstruction plan proposed by Arab nations as a potential framework for peace.

The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 53,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.​​​​​​​

On defense cooperation, she cited a recent joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall as an example of productive industrial collaboration.

She warned that certain EU environmental policies could risk deindustrializing Europe.

Merz, in turn, described Italy as an “indispensable strategic partner” and said Germany would increase pressure on Russia.

He confirmed that a 17th sanctions package focused on Russia’s shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea would be discussed Tuesday.

Rejecting any notion of sending troops to Ukraine, Merz stated: “There is no debate about deploying soldiers. Our priority is to achieve a ceasefire.”

Meloni responded to criticism about her absence from a “volunteers” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a recent European Political Community Summit in Tirana, saying she welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks that ruled out troop deployment.

She reiterated Rome’s commitment to participating in all formats for peace.

Merz added that the "volunteers" format would be developed and Italy should play a role, stressing, “There are no A or B class EU members, we are united.”