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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on Europe to demonstrate its maturity by contributing meaningful proposals to advance peace efforts in Ukraine, describing the continent's involvement as essential to implementing key elements of Washington's newly unveiled 28-point plan.
Speaking to Italian journalists following the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Meloni said she found US President Donald Trump "prepared and willing" during a lengthy phone call that also included Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss the American peace proposal.
"Many of the issues included in the plan—security guarantees, reconstruction, Ukraine's access to the EU—require Europe for implementation," Meloni said. "This is a maturity test for Europe; it must show that it can make a difference and offer proposals that can lead to progress."
The Italian leader pushed back against suggestions that Europe should develop a counter-proposal to Trump's plan, arguing instead that collaboration on the existing framework would be more productive. She noted there are "many points that can be shared" in the current proposal.
While acknowledging that certain aspects require further discussion—including territorial questions, reconstruction financing, and provisions regarding the Ukrainian military—Meloni highlighted what she called "very positive points," particularly security guarantees involving US participation. She characterized this element as a continuation of an approach Italy has long advocated.
"I think positive work can be done," she said. "We are all working to reach a proposal necessary for achieving peace, guaranteeing an independent and sovereign Ukraine, and ensuring European security."
Meloni expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to ending the conflict, saying she has "long believed" he lacks genuine desire to conclude the war or do so quickly. She called for Moscow to take concrete steps, such as ceasing attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The most effective way to expose what she termed Putin's "bluff," Meloni argued, is to present a serious and reasonable proposal and observe which parties support it and which do not.
Meloni spoke favorably of Türkiye's involvement in diplomatic efforts, noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears to be taking a constructive approach to the 28-point proposal and supports a temporary ceasefire. She said Erdogan planned to speak with Putin and was also expected to hold discussions with Trump.
"In any case, Türkiye's role has been constructive from the beginning, and I think it can also be strategic," Meloni said, adding that Erdogan's inclusion in the negotiations represents "a good development."
The G20 summit's location in South Africa carried symbolic significance, Meloni noted, emphasizing that "a future cannot be discussed without Africa."
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