Italy’s defense minister said on Wednesday that the country would abide by its NATO commitments regarding the crisis in Ukraine, while stressing the need for a peaceful solution.
“The alliance has provided for the strengthening of deterrent measures on its eastern side, in which Italy also participates in operations and missions that have already been approved by parliament,” Lorenzo Guerini said in a statement.
“If further decisions are taken, always in the context of NATO’s strategic deterrence, Italy will give its further contribution and will do its duty,” said the Italian YPAM.
NATO said Monday that it is sending aircraft and ships to reinforce the Eastern European side, as the United States and the European Union try to coordinate to give a resounding response to Russia in the event of an invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, while insisting he has no plans to attack, has deployed about 100,000 troops near Ukraine. He has demanded that the former Soviet republic not be allowed to join NATO, and has insisted on other concessions from the United States in exchange for easing tensions.
Italy’s defense ministry said on Wednesday it was committed to maintaining dialogue with Moscow, insisting on talks to find a peaceful solution.
But Italy and its NATO allies are determined to “send a clear message: any attack on Kiev will have serious consequences.”
Guerini added that “we are all fully aware of the consequences of a further deterioration of the situation.”
Unlike most of its western neighbors, Italy has historically had relatively friendly ties with Putin. This can be supported by strong, long-term investments of Italian companies in Russia.
Italy has opposed EU sanctions against Russia following its 2014 invasion of Crimea.
Since becoming Italy’s prime minister last February, Mario Draghi has stressed that Italy is firmly on the side of the European Union and NATO.
In December, however, he downplayed the risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying Putin did not appear to be “ready for action.”
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