WASHINGTON, D.C. — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Washington on Monday, August 18, 2025, to join President Donald Trump for high-stakes peace talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The meeting, held at the White House, follows Trump’s inconclusive summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 and comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later today, according to Reuters.
Meloni, a staunch supporter of Ukraine since taking office in 2022, has emphasized the need for a “just peace” that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty. Her presence underscores Italy’s role as a key NATO ally and G7 member, with Rome providing over €1 billion in military aid to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion. “A solution must protect Ukraine’s people and borders,” Meloni stated during a G7 call last week, per Reuters. The talks aim to build on Trump’s proposal for a trilateral framework involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, though no concrete agreement emerged from the Alaska summit.
Key objectives for the meeting include:
- Ceasefire Framework: Exploring terms for a potential halt to hostilities.
- European Coordination: Aligning U.S. and EU efforts to pressure Russia.
- Humanitarian Focus: Addressing the plight of displaced Ukrainians, including 19,000 abducted children.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a peacemaker, faces criticism for the Alaska summit’s lack of progress. Meloni’s involvement signals Europe’s push for a unified approach, with Italian officials stressing the need for “tangible outcomes” to avoid further escalation. Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some praising Meloni’s diplomatic clout and others skeptical of Trump’s strategy. As Zelenskyy prepares to join the talks, the international community watches closely for signs of a breakthrough in one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts.
Source: Reuters
