Reiterate support for Ukraine, a victim of Russian aggression, and at the same time try to explore possible ways out of the conflict, which brings with it the dramatic appendage of the wheat crisis. Mario Draghi, Emmanuel Macron Olaf Scholz arrive this morning in Kiev for a mission charged with political and symbolic value: the leaders of the three main EU countries all together, face to face with Volodymyr Zelensky. To demonstrate European compactness, and perhaps to indicate a line that is not necessarily identical to that of the Americans. On the eve of the mission, it was the head of the Elysée who cleared away more clearly from Washington’s intransigence towards the Kremlin: “The Ukrainian president and his officials will have to negotiate with Russia – underlined by Romania -, we will do everything to stop Russian forces and help Ukrainians and their army. ” The trip to Ukraine of the three leaders, the first ever since the beginning of the war, does not include other stops beyond the capital (a blitz in Odessa was excluded) and falls into a very complicated phase, because the Russian army continues on the ground. gaining ground by intensifying firepower on the Donbass, while the Ukrainians defend themselves strenuously but are increasingly exhausted and expect stronger support from European allies. The message from Rome, Berlin, and Paris will be univocal in reiterating support for Kiev, but in the three capitals they have also been discussing for some time how to bring the parties to the negotiating table, albeit with different nuances. Draghi, in his recent mission to Israel, explained that Italy continues to work so that “a ceasefire” and “peace negotiations” can be reached as soon as possible, but clarified that the negotiations must take place in the “terms that the ‘Ukraine will deem acceptable “. In short, no peace imposed, also because – this is the premier’s reasoning – it would not be “sustainable”. Macron, on the other hand, once again appeared more assertive towards Kiev, stating that “the Ukrainian president and his officials will have to negotiate with Russia”. After all, the French president is the Western leader who has talked the most with Putin, invoking the need to “not humiliate” Moscow. Even at the cost of infuriating the Ukrainian government. Central to the four-party meeting will also be the theme of Kiev’s accession to the EU. The Commission is preparing to give its favorable opinion, but from that moment on the road will be uphill because the necessary unanimity in the Council is not there. Among the most cautious are Germany and France, and it is no coincidence that Macron has relaunched his proposal to create an enlarged European political community to welcome Ukraine, pending the completion of the accession process. So far Draghi has shown himself to be more determined and open in supporting the status of candidate for Kiev, but also from Rome it has always been recognized that the accession path will have to take place following the (long) timing of the Treaties. On top of the Italian premier’s concerns (shared with his German and French colleagues) there is also the question of Ukrainian wheat, with the tens of tons that risk rotting in the silos for the Russian blockade of ports. For Draghi – a firm supporter of an active role of the UN – the opening of safe corridors for transport is urgent (continuing to explore alternative routes, also with the possibility of involving key Italian actors and infrastructures); and in the meantime, a way must be found to store the new crops, because a shortage would generate imbalances and catastrophes throughout Africa. With Zelensky, the leaders will also take stock of the situation of the mediation efforts carried out by partners such as Turkey. And probably in Kiev there will also be talk of weapons, in view of the NATO summit in Madrid. Kiev continues to solicit new supplies from Europeans, hitherto considered too timid on this front. While Biden has just pledged another billion dollars in aid, including artillery and advanced missile systems. But there are not only weapons. In the first days of the war, Italy provided 110 million euros in support to the Ukrainian government, and provided for another 200 million in aid. The support is also reflected in the reconstruction efforts, which is already a priority topic of discussion with Kiev, partners and international financial institutions. Draghi, Macron and Scholz’s mission to Kiev will not be easy at all. But even with all the difficulties of the case (and the suspicions of Kiev), it will nevertheless serve to give a clear signal to Putin. “He thought of dividing us but he failed,” the prime minister repeated several times in recent weeks. While from Moscow Dmitri Medvedev continues to provoke: “I doubt that Ukraine will exist in two years”, was the last shot of the former president increasingly in the role of the super hawk.
Source: Ansa
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