The American president Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, and several European heads of state, met in Washington. The main objective of the meeting was to find an agreement that guarantees Ukraine’s safety towards Russia. Among those present also Giorgia Meloni, president of the Italian Council, who has relaunched the proposal to provide security guarantees based on the model of article 5 of the NATO Treaty, without however providing the entry of Ukraine into the same alliance.
What is the article 5 of NATO and because it is evoked for Ukraine
Article 5 of the NATO Treaty establishes that “an armed attack on one or more parties in Europe or North America will be considered as an attack on all” and that each state will have to intervene to defend the attacked country, also using strength. The proposal made from Italy and now discussed internationally aims to apply similar guarantees for the defense of Kyiv, even without his entry into NATO.
Two models compared: Article 5 and “Coalition of the willing”
Guido Crosetto, Italian defense minister, explained that the main line is to “guarantee the safety of Ukraine”. Meloni’s idea is to allow NATO, as a defensive alliance, to ensure protection in Kyiv, or to let individual nations take on specific commitments. “Meloni’s hypothesis on a mechanism based on article 5 is increasingly touched. It is one of the possible solutions and is not incompatible with that of the willing. Both can be made,” Crosetto said after the Washington summit. In the meantime, France and the United Kingdom support the proposal to send a contingent of “willing”, that is, international troops to guarantee the truce and a peace mission in Ukraine.
After all, until today, both Putin and Minister Lavrov have excluded that Russia can accept the presence of armies born in Ukraine. The willing are at work to also involve “extra” alliance, but it is not easy. For this reason, the activation of a article 5 style clause could allow you to save goat and cabbage: NATO would be forced to intervene in the event of a new invasion, but would not have bases or men on the field. Would it work? According to Crosetto yes: “Peace is almost always based on the principle of deterrence: I don’t attack you because I would not win”. Would Putin accept it? Perhaps, because “Ukraine would not enter NATO, with everything that involves being a member. NATO would intervene only to defend from an attack. And then, for many other reasons. Last but not least what in Russia is what remains of public opinion, both oligarchs and the production world, they press to eliminate penalties and reopen relationships. Then, because it would obtain a political and superior influence space. United, recovering a role from superpower, regaining influence in the old continent and buying time “.
During the interviews, President Trump reiterated that the United States could offer air support to Kyiv, but clarified that he will not send American troops in the Ukrainian territory. France, Germany and the United Kingdom have expressed openness to send troops, while Italy has shown itself against this solution. From Rome comes yes only with the UN mandate. For his part, the secretary general of NATO, Mark Rutte, said that there was no specifically discussed the sending of troops, but security guarantees are being evaluated “on the lines of article 5”. What is certain is that Donald Trump will not send American soldiers while France and the United Kingdom “want to have troops on the ground”.
The reaction of Russia and the question of the territories
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed opening to a direct meeting with Zelensky to discuss the end of the war. One of the most delicate points remains the question of the occupied territories, in particular Donbass, today for 79% in the hands of Russia. Zelensky stressed: “The territories issue is a decision for me and Putin”. On this aspect, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that concessions cannot be imposed on Kyiv. Russian Foreign Minister, Serghei Lavrov, specified that Russia is willing to treat, but “respect for the security interests of Russia and full respect for the rights of the Russians and Russian who live in Ukraine is essential”.
The Italian role
General Luciano Portolano, chief of staff of Italian defense, took part in the talks in the United States to plan concrete measures in view of a possible respite or a peace process. Crosetto explained: “Italy’s participation in the Washington table was not obvious. And I think it is more a recognition to Giorgia, than to the country”.
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