Meloni warns U.S.-Russia diesel pact undermines sanctions on Russia

Giorgia Meloni warned that the recently announced diesel supply agreement between the United States and Russia poses significant risks, as it may grant Moscow legitimacy while its forces keep bombing Ukrainian cities. The pact involves Russia initially providing more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and worldwide markets, a move the Italian premier said could fund the war and erode sanctions effectiveness. President Donald Trump defended the deal, saying it would reduce energy costs in the United States ahead of crucial midterm elections.

In her parliamentary address, Meloni called for the 27 EU member states to appoint an authoritative figure to negotiate on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, without dismissing a possible formal mandate for the E3 Group of Germany, France and Great Britain. She emphasized that any collective EU effort should be coordinated under a clear mandate.