**Italy’s Meloni Slams Putin’s 3-Day Truce as Inadequate**
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has spoken out against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s three-day truce, calling it insufficient and stressing the need for a “just and lasting peace.” The comments came in an interview with Corriere della Sera published on April 29.
The truce, which is set to last from May 8 until midnight on May 11, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. However, Ukraine has rejected this as a full and unconditional ceasefire, a proposal that Moscow continues to reject.
**Meloni Supports Trump’s Peace Efforts**
In the interview, Meloni voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to broker a peace between Ukraine and Russia. She also lauded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s readiness for an unconditional truce. “Now, it is Russia that must demonstrate the same,” she said, emphasizing that Putin’s three-day truce was not enough.
**Security Guarantees Crucial**
Meloni stressed that any peace deal must be lasting and backed by strong security guarantees. She repeated her proposal to provide Ukraine with guarantees based on NATO’s Article 5, even if there was no consensus on Kyiv’s formal entry into the alliance.
**Ukraine Accuses Russia of Manipulation**
President Zelensky has previously accused Putin of manipulation, saying that everyone should cease fire before May 8. “We value human lives, not parades,” he said, adding that there is no reason to wait until then. Ukraine has accused Russia of violating multiple ceasefire agreements in the past.
**White House Reacts**
The White House has also reacted by calling for a lasting truce, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt saying that President Trump wants to see a permanent ceasefire first to stop the killing and bloodshed. Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the stalled peace efforts, threatening to pull out unless progress is made.
**Commentary**
This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and Italy in particular. Meloni’s comments reflect the Italian government’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The fact that Putin’s three-day truce has been met with skepticism by both Meloni and Zelensky underscores the need for a more comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
**Deeper Analysis**
The international community is increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress on peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s growing frustration with the stalled negotiations suggests that he may be reevaluating his approach to brokering a deal. The emphasis on security guarantees by Meloni and Zelensky highlights the need for a more robust framework for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
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