Meloni Says Trump Relationship Unchanged, Cautious on Alliances

Speaking at a press conference after the summit, Meloni characterized the gathering as decidedly positive, citing both the excellent atmosphere among leaders and the substantive quality of discussions, according to Il Giornale. The Italian premier acknowledged that the recently concluded agreement between the United States and Iran had positively influenced the proceedings.

No Recriminations With Trump

Addressing months of reported tensions with the White House, Meloni stated there had been no recriminations between herself and Trump during their encounters at Évian. The two leaders did not discuss past disagreements, she explained, because there was simply no need for clarifications. Both understand each other’s perspectives, Meloni said, and there was substantial agreement particularly on Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, and relations with Africa.

The prime minister dismissed media reconstructions suggesting awkwardness or tension during her interactions with Trump. While acknowledging that humor was present in their exchanges, she emphasized that the substantive topics under discussion were those on the official summit agenda.

Ukraine Mediation and Moscow Signals

Meloni reiterated her position that direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain necessary. Her comments came on the same day that European Council President Antonio Costa announced the start of talks with Moscow to open negotiations on Ukraine.

While praising Zelensky for demonstrating a sincere attitude toward resolving the conflict, Meloni noted that no serious signals in this direction have come from Moscow. Such signals are now necessary, she stated.

European Mediator Proposal

The Italian leader also addressed the question of appointing a European mediator to deal with Moscow, arguing that the proliferation of different formats involving various countries lacks the authority to speak on behalf of Europe. Meloni indicated she would raise this issue at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

As for the profile of such a mediator, Meloni expressed skepticism about proposing someone from one of the major European nations, suggesting instead that medium-sized EU powers would be preferable. She effectively ruled out former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, whose name has circulated repeatedly for such a role.

Hormuz Strait Mission Under Consideration

Meloni confirmed Italian willingness to participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, though only after parliamentary authorization. She indicated no immediate timeline, noting there are 60 days available to assess how the situation develops before deciding whether and when to launch such a mission.

Cautious Stance on Vannacci Alliance

Addressing questions about potential collaboration with Roberto Vannacci, the former general whose political movement has stirred controversy within the Italian center-right, Meloni adopted a measured but critical tone. She pointed out that Vannacci himself had closed the door on cooperation by voting five times against the first government led by a center-right figure, making him functionally useful to the left.

The prime minister also noted her disagreement with Vannacci on the issue of femicide as a specific criminal offense. More broadly, she dismissed the relevance of such alliance calculations, arguing that winning elections requires governing well, and that politics is never simply arithmetic. Political addition does not work like mathematics, Meloni emphasized.

With information from Il Giornale