Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised a Russian oil deal announced by US President Donald Trump, describing it as a highly dangerous choice.
Speaking in the Italian Senate ahead of the European Council meeting on October 15 and 16, Meloni argued that rising fuel prices were primarily linked to the war in Iran rather than the conflict in Ukraine.
According to the Italian prime minister, the potential benefits of such a decision remain unclear, while the risks are tangible.
Meloni warned that the deal could lend legitimacy to Moscow while Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue, as well as provide additional revenue to fund the war.
She also expressed concern that the agreement could undermine the effectiveness of Western sanctions against Russia.
“Legitimacy for Moscow while its bombs continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, new revenue to finance the war, and an implicit weakening of the impact of sanctions are factors we cannot ignore,” Meloni said.
She argued that such a development would run counter to the efforts made by Western countries, including the United States, to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and force him to come to the negotiating table.
