**US President Trump Meets with Italian Prime Minister Meloni in Washington, Discusses Ukraine Ceasefire and EU Tariffs**
In a meeting held on April 17 in Washington, US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for a “just and lasting peace.” The two leaders met at the Oval Office to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the imposition of US tariffs on the European Union.
“We have been defending the freedom of Ukraine together,” Meloni told reporters. Trump added that he was not a fan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that “I’m not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I wouldn’t say he’s done the greatest job… I am not a big fan.”
Trump also claimed that Russia’s war against Ukraine would not have happened if he were in power. “That was a war that would have never started if I were president,” Trump said.
Meloni, on the other hand, called for cooperation between the US and Europe to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine. “The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think together we can do that,” she said.
**US and EU Tensions Rise**
The meeting comes as tensions rise between the US and EU over trade tariffs imposed by Trump on European goods. Meloni has invited Trump to visit Italy amid these tensions, despite the 20% tariffs imposed on EU products.
“Excuse me, but this is a murder,” President Zelensky said in response to the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine. “This strike went to the city center, it did not go to the front line.”
**Ukraine and Russia Update**
According to Ukrainian forces, around 200 Russian soldiers were killed, with 30 others injured, as well as destroyed equipment. President Zelensky accused US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff of spreading Russian narratives.
Germany has provided Ukraine with a new package of military assistance, including IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for Patriots. Ukrainian intelligence has identified the captain of the oil embargo-breaking tanker FACCA, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.
**Other Developments**
The ruble has appreciated by 38% against the dollar in the over-the-counter market since the start of the year, outpacing gold’s 23% rise. A criminal investigation has been launched into the attempted transfer of archive documents to Russia. The city of Shuya in Ukraine reported explosions and a fire after an attack.
**Analysis**
The meeting between Trump and Meloni highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and EU over trade tariffs. The imposition of these tariffs has led to concerns among European officials that the US is shutting Europe out of peace talks in Ukraine.
Despite this, both leaders agree on the need for cooperation between the West to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, Trump’s comments about Zelensky have sparked controversy and have been met with criticism from Ukrainian officials.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community remains divided over how to address the conflict.
