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Meloni Says Moscow Is Seeking an Escalation With Europe VIDEO

The Italian prime minister linked the growing provocations to Russia’s difficulties on the battlefield in Ukraine and called for a measured response

Giorgia Meloni warned against responding to what she described as a growing series of Russian provocations along Europe’s borders, arguing that Moscow could be seeking an escalation with Europe to divert attention from difficulties in the war in Ukraine.

The Italian prime minister made the remarks in Oslo after meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. According to Meloni, the situation on the battlefield is not developing as Russian President Vladimir Putin had anticipated, declared or promised to his own population.

“I believe these provocations from Moscow are multiplying because Putin needs to shift attention, seeking an escalation with Europe,” Meloni said at the end of the meeting. She added that European governments should ask themselves who would benefit from a possible escalation and act accordingly.

For Meloni, the appropriate response is not to amplify the confrontation.

“I don’t think we should respond” to Moscow’s provocations, she said, arguing that answering them would serve Russia’s interests more than those of Europe.

The Italian prime minister also returned to the question of who should speak for Europe on Ukraine. She said she had already expressed her view on several occasions: identifying and formally appointing a representative to speak on behalf of Europe would strengthen the continent’s position.

Meloni stressed, however, that she was referring to Europe as a whole rather than specifically to the European Union.

Norway is Italy’s fourth-largest gas supplier

Energy cooperation was also part of the discussions in Oslo. Meloni described Norway as a key European partner for Italy, particularly because of its role in diversifying the country’s energy supplies.

“Norway is our fourth-largest gas supplier,” she said.

Asked whether the visit was also driven by Italy’s need to secure energy supplies, Meloni said that this was not the only reason for her trip. She emphasized the broader relationship between the two countries, describing Italy and Norway as nations that cooperate closely.

According to the prime minister, the partnership between Rome and Oslo has significant potential beyond the energy sector.