Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni described “inadequate” as a three -day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, adding that it is time for Russia to show that he really wants to end the war.

‘We now support Trump’s efforts and we are pleased that [Ουκρανός πρόεδρος Βολοντίμιρ] Zelenski said it was open to an unconditional truce, showing that Ukraine also wants peace, “Meloni said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, published on Tuesday.

“Now is Russia that has to prove the same. Because the three -day truce announced by Putin on the anniversary of victory in World War II is something different and clearly inadequate, “the Italian prime minister added.

Putin announced on Monday a three -day ceasefire in Ukraine, from May 8th to 11th. The proposed truce is supposed to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, also coincided with the celebrations of Russia’s victory on May 9th.

Later on Monday, Zelenski strongly criticized Putin’s ceasefire announcement as “yet another attempt to manipulate”. “For some reason everyone is supposed to wait until May 8 before the ceasefire – just to secure Putin silence for his parade,” Zelenski said.

According to Meloni, the meeting between Zelenski and United States President Donald Trump, which took place on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome last Saturday, could be a decisive time for Ukraine.

“I think it was a beautiful moment and, from what the protagonists told me, could also be a turning point. Perhaps Pope Francis’ last gift to all of us, “the Italian prime minister said.

“I think there was a private encounter in this particular meeting, I don’t know how to say it …, his spirit,” he added.