Giorgia Meloni on Views on Vladimir Putin/Russia
Giorgia Meloni held views favoring improved relations with Russia before the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Historically, she had supported lifting sanctions on Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and even congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election in 2018.
However, since the February 2022 invasion, Giorgia Meloni has unequivocally condemned Russia's actions, pivoting her foreign policy towards strong Atlanticism. As Prime Minister, she has pledged continued military support for Ukraine, stating that Italy would be with Ukraine "from the beginning and will be until the end."
Her current alignment places her as a staunch supporter of NATO and a firm opponent of Putin's policies, contrasting with some past statements and the previous Russian ties held by her coalition partners. This post-invasion stance is a defining feature of her government's foreign policy.
Context
Giorgia Meloni's position on Russia is a key component of her government's foreign policy, particularly as Italy is a G7 and NATO member.
Her Atlanticist stance, including strong support for Ukraine, contrasts with the historical Russian sympathies of some key coalition allies like Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's League.
This commitment to the Western alliance against Putin's Russia has been crucial in establishing her credibility with international partners like the US and European Union institutions.
Timeline
- Meloni supported lifting sanctions imposed on Russia.
- She congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election as president.
- Meloni wrote that Russia under Putin was defending European values and Christian identity.
- Following the full-scale invasion, Meloni condemned Russia's military action.
- She stated that Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian provinces held "no legal and political value."
- Meloni visited Kyiv, met with President Zelenskyy, and reaffirmed Italy's commitment to supporting Ukraine until the end.
Actions Taken
- Foreign Policy CommitmentPledged to continue sending arms to Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.
- Diplomatic SupportVisited Ukraine, meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visiting Bucha to discuss the ongoing invasion.
- Official CondemnationStated that Russia's annexation of Ukrainian provinces had no legal or political validity.
Comparison
- Pre-2022 Stance: Meloni favored improved relations and advocated for lifting sanctions on Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
- Post-2022 Stance: She became a strong supporter of sending arms to Ukraine and embraced Atlanticism, differing from the prior favorable position.
- Coalition Contrast: Her strong anti-Putin stance contrasts with the documented Russian ties of partners like Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini.
Sources5
- Meloni favoured improved relations with Russia before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which she condemned, pledging to keep sending arms to Ukraine.
- In 2018, she congratulated Vladimir Putin for his re-election as president.
- In 2021, she wrote that Russia under Putin defends European values and Christian identity.
- On 22 February 2023, Meloni visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss about the ongoing Russian invasion. Meloni also visited Bucha, in the suburbs of Kyiv, where the Russian forces killed more than 400 Ukrainians in March 2022. Meloni stressed that Ukraine can count on Italy, adding, "we have been with Ukraine from the beginning and will be until the end."
- On 15 November 2023, Meloni had her first bilateral meeting with the U.S. president Joe Biden at the White House, where they discussed about many issues, including Ukraine, China, and Africa.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.