The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, held a phone conversation this evening with the Foreign Ministers of the Quint Group (United States, Italy, United Kingdom, France, and Germany) on Ukraine, also attended by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The conversation was initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who sought to inform his European counterparts about the outcome of today’s meeting in Riyadh with representatives of the Russian Federation, which followed the phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin. This marked the beginning of the first direct contacts between the two countries, which, according to Rubio, were useful in assessing Russia’s actual willingness to engage in negotiations on Ukraine, potentially paving the way for a diplomatic process involving all relevant parties. In this regard, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to involving and keeping all stakeholders, including Ukraine and European nations, updated on developments.
During the call, Minister Tajani expressed his appreciation for Secretary of State Rubio’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of close coordination between the United States and Europe on the Ukraine dossier and broader European security issues. Reaffirming the centrality of the transatlantic relationship, the Minister reiterated the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine— a stance shared by his European counterparts. “Rubio’s words were crystal clear,” said Minister Tajani. “Europe will be involved in the negotiations for a very simple reason: we have imposed sanctions on Russia, sanctions that remain in force, and no negotiations can take place without addressing the issue of sanctions and including those who imposed and enforce them at the table.”
The participating Ministers agreed to maintain constant contact, both at the political level and through their respective Political Directors in their capitals.
