Tajani expects war in Ukraine to end this year, says Macron's peacekeeping plan will not be needed

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made this statement, according to Ukrinform.

Responding to Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who called Macron's idea of deploying European troops in Ukraine "insane, "Tajani acknowledged that the French president has his own stance, which does not reflect Italy's position. However, he emphasized that, as foreign minister, he would never allow himself "to define with these tones those who have a different position from mine."

"We hope that what President Macron envisages will not be necessary, because […] we think that the war may end within the year," Tajani said.

He stressed the importance of working towards a just peace treaty that respects Ukraine's position while confirming that Italian troops will not be sent to Ukraine.

"Our military will not go to the front in Ukraine, neither with a NATO mission nor with a European one. A different thing would be a UN mission that could act as an interposition force once peace has been achieved," he added.

Tajani also stressed the need to maintain strong relations between Europe and the United States, but "with dignity and head-on."

Earlier, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that Italy would be willing to contribute to a future international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed sending their troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers after any potential ceasefire agreement.

Photo: ANSA