In an interview with Repubblica, the Italian Defence Minister chose his words carefully: “What happened in Washington is very positive. First, everyone, including the Americans, now has a much clearer view of the situation on the ground. And also because the Europeans coordinated, built a common line and decided to pursue it together. That is not a small thing.”
Decoding the news. Minister Guido Crosetto’s remarks come just 48 hours after the meeting at the White House between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders – including Giorgia Meloni – at a time that could mark a turning point in the war in Ukraine, provided that Vladimir Putin is genuinely willing to embark on a negotiated path.
Crosetto stressed that “this is a security commitment nations would undertake. Meloni’s idea is that NATO, as a defensive alliance, could protect an external country like Ukraine. Alternatively, individual nations could take on that role. The best mechanism will be chosen. Certainly, with NATO, deterrence would be far stronger.”
What he says. “Meloni’s proposal of a mechanism based on Article 5 is gaining traction. It is one possible solution, and it is not incompatible with that of the will. Both could be realised.”
On the Donbass: “That frontline is their Maginot Line, the country’s first defence against the Russian attack… to give it up would mean sacrificing future defence.”
On Russia: “The Russians have an elephant in the room… now (Putin) has realised he cannot conquer all of Donbass. It is the most fortified region… it would take years. That is why he is now saying: I give up the total conquest of two of the four provinces… but that would mean contradicting the constitutional amendment.”
On Moscow’s motives in negotiations: “Not least the fact that in Russia both public opinion and the oligarchs… are pushing to lift sanctions and reopen relations… regaining influence in the old continent and buying time.”
The bottom line. Crosetto frames Italy as a protagonist on the diplomatic and political front, but with a clear outlook: Ukraine’s protection depends—at least in part—on a credible NATO framework. It also reminds us of the West’s unity showcased at the White House meeting, underscoring that only collective resolve can provide absolute security for Ukraine.
What we’re watching
Security guarantees: the practical plan also plays out behind the scenes.
Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, coordinated a call with all allied nations today to discuss upcoming technical and military steps.
Putin’s reliability: Crosetto underscores that any hope of a negotiated breakthrough rests on a fragile premise: that the Kremlin is genuinely pursuing a truce.
The more doubts linger over Russia’s credibility, the shakier this leverage becomes.