She noted that dialogue should be conducted not only with the Ukrainian side but also with Russia: "Now is the time for Europe to start a conversation with Russia; otherwise, its contribution to the negotiation process will be minimal if it only engages with one side," she added.
The Prime Minister also warned against fragmented actions by European countries, asserting that coherence is important for an effective European position. Disjointed initiatives could play into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, she reported.
Furthermore, Meloni characterized discussions about Russia's return to the G8 format, from which it was excluded after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, as premature.
As of January 2026, the main efforts to resolve the conflict are focused on the United States, which is conducting consultations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
At the same time, European leaders are actively maintaining contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but official peace negotiations with Moscow are not currently underway.
In December 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to continue military assistance to Ukraine and to increase pressure on the Russian economy to encourage Moscow to return to the negotiating table.
