Italy says dialogue with Russia possible only if Moscow takes real steps toward peace

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said diplomatic dialogue with Russia is possible, provided that Moscow demonstrates through concrete actions that it intends to end the war.

According to Report's European bureau, speaking to journalists ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Tajani stressed that Italy has never considered itself to be at war with Russia.

"We have never been, and are not, at war with Russia. We have only defended Ukraine's right to its own independence," he said.

At the same time, Tajani emphasized Rome"s cautious approach toward any potential rapprochement with Moscow.

"We need to understand Russia's real intentions. If what Putin said is true, then obviously a phase of dialogue will have to begin," he noted, expressing hope that concrete actions would follow the statements.

Tajani also made clear that the choice of a European mediator and any decision regarding the lifting of sanctions remain matters for the European Union itself, not Moscow.

"The lifting of sanctions would require a decision by the European Union. Member states, the European Commission, and the EU Council will assess this jointly," he said.

The Italian foreign minister also suggested that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni could be "an authoritative candidate" for the role of a European mediator in possible negotiations.