Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
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Giorgia Meloni on Russia Relations

Ukraine Supporter Russia Critic (strong) Position evolved

Giorgia Meloni's position on Russia Relations underwent a significant transformation following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Prior to the invasion, Meloni favoured improved relations with Russia and, as recently as 2021, wrote that Russia under Vladimir Putin defended European values and Christian identity. She had also supported lifting sanctions on Russia in 2014 and congratulated Putin on his re-election as president in 2018.

Since the full-scale invasion, however, Meloni has moved towards Atlanticism, strongly condemning Russia's actions and pledging to keep sending arms to Ukraine until the end. Her government is supportive of NATO and has acted to preserve the transatlantic alliance, marking a clear break with her previous softer approach toward Moscow.

Context

Giorgia Meloni's current foreign policy is deeply rooted in Atlanticism and a strong commitment to NATO, which dictates a firm stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine. This alignment is key to her government's international credibility, contrasting with some lingering ties to Russia held by her coalition partners, Matteo Salvini and Silvio Berlusconi.

Her pivot on Russia is significant because her party, Brothers of Italy (FdI), and its allies were previously known for expressing skepticism about EU sanctions and favouring energy deals with Moscow. Her premiership has seen Italy fully commit to the Western coalition opposing the Kremlin.

Timeline

  1. Meloni supported lifting sanctions that had been placed on Russia.
  2. She congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as Russian president.
  3. Meloni stated that Russia under Putin defended European values and Christian identity.
  4. The Russian invasion of Ukraine began, prompting a sharp change in her public stance.
  5. As Prime Minister, she stated that Russia's annexation of Ukrainian provinces has 'no legal and political value'.
  6. Meloni visited Ukraine, met with President Zelenskyy, and affirmed that Ukraine can count on Italy 'from the beginning and will be until the end.'

Actions Taken

  1. Foreign Policy/Military Support
    Pledged to send arms to Ukraine following the 2022 invasion.
  2. Diplomatic Stance
    Stated that Russia's claimed annexation of four Ukrainian provinces has no legal or political standing.
  3. High Level diplomatic support
    Visited Ukraine to meet President Zelenskyy and affirm Italy's unwavering support.

Related Positions

  • Ukraine Support Her commitment to sending arms and diplomatic support to Ukraine is the primary driver of her current negative stance on Russia.
  • NATO Membership Her strong support for NATO mandates the current confrontational stance toward Russia's military actions.
  • European Union (EU) While Eurosceptic, her pro-NATO stance ensures cooperation with the EU on unified sanctions against Russia.

Comparison

  • Predecessor's Stance: Meloni's government is largely continuing the strong pro-Ukraine position initiated by the preceding Mario Draghi Cabinet, despite Draghi being part of a unity government she opposed.
  • Coalition Dynamics: Her firm Atlanticism contrasts with the historically closer ties that coalition partners like Forza Italia (Berlusconi) and The League (Salvini) maintained with Russia, creating internal tension.
  • Ideological Shift: Her past statements favouring better relations and defending certain Russian values are now superseded by her current alignment with the EU/NATO consensus against Russian foreign policy.