The war in Ukraine is in the final months of its second year. Photo IT
The defense minister noted, as quoted by the ANSA news agency, that as the fighting between Moscow and Kiev approaches its third year, “it is important to follow the path that leads to a political settlement.” treat”. However, he emphasized that these efforts must go hand in hand with continued military support for Ukraine.
The Minister pointed out that although the West has been successful in ensuring “preservation” of Ukraine, but their other goals remain unfulfilled. “What cannot be achieved militarily… can be achieved by opening a diplomatic and political front to try to achieve the same result through peace negotiations”, he said.
Mr. Crosetto also emphasized that “what existed before the war must be restored and what cannot be done with weapons must be done in another way”.
NATO member states, including the United States, which has emerged as Kiev’s main backer, have affirmed that they will continue to support Ukraine. “as long as necessary” and take steps to bring the troubled country closer to the bloc’s military standards. Meanwhile, Russia always sees NATO expanding towards its borders as a threat. Moscow says Ukraine’s push to join the bloc is one of the main reasons behind the conflict.
Italy’s Defense Minister warned in early October that hostilities between Moscow and Kiev were unlikely to be resolved on the battlefield. At the time, he explained that “The more time passes, the less the possibility of helping Ukraine with resources that are not unlimited”, At the same time, he pointed out the serious problems that Kiev encountered in its unsuccessful attempt to repel the Russian army.
Kiev launched a massive counteroffensive in early summer but failed to gain any significant advantage while suffering heavy losses in both manpower and Western-supplied equipment. Moscow estimates Ukrainian casualties since the start of the offensive at around 160,000 troops.
While President Vladimir Zelensky signed a decree banning negotiations with the current leadership in Moscow last fall after four former Ukrainian regions voted overwhelmingly to join Russia, Moscow has repeatedly said it is ready peace negotiations with Kiev.
