NEW YORK – Meloni has always been articulate and eloquent in defending Ukraine. It would be beneficial if Italy took a leadership role in military assistance to Kiev, and if you had clarifications with Minister Salvini.” Mike Carpenter he speaks from personal experience, because at the G7 in Borgo Egnazia he was Europe director in the White House during the Joe Biden administration and has managed the security agreement signed by Zelensky.
Why did Putin launch his attack again?
“It can be expected that as winter approaches, attacks on infrastructure will accelerate. The aim is to cripple the energy grid to put pressure on the population and force the government to surrender.”
Will Pokrov fall?
“It has symbolic importance, not strategic importance. Ruined and uninhabited, it is no longer the Donetsk crossroads. We discussed it at the White House more than a year ago, and it paints a picture of how slow and expensive Russia’s progress has been. For Ukraine, it now makes sense to withdraw.”
Is this acceleration a sign of Putin’s strength or weakness?
“The dynamics have not changed significantly. Putin has the advantage of not caring about the lives of his soldiers, but the losses are huge and the results are poor. The front is basically static. The fighting will continue in winter, because it is fought with drones and falling leaves make it easier, but we are still talking about a few square kilometers.”
What should the US do?
“It would be tragic and reprehensible if we did nothing, while Moscow killed innocent civilians, just because a man in the Kremlin wanted to go down in history as the person who added some territory to the Russian empire. This goes against the basic values of the United States and the principles of bipartisanship in our foreign policy, in defense of democracy and freedom, but also our interests and yours.”
Should we provide long-range weapons?
“Ukraine would benefit from Tomahawks, but also more Patriots for air defense and F-16 fighters. This would serve to convince Putin that he cannot win the war, we will not allow him to threaten the entire continent and he must negotiate. Europe must therefore quickly find a consensus to use the 140 billion in frozen Russian capital as a loan for Ukraine’s reconstruction. I find it unacceptable that they have not done so, while civilians are dying every day.”
Minister Salvini opposed Italy’s participation in Ukraine’s Priority Requirements List initiative, and generally continued military supplies to Kiev. What do you think?
“It would be great if Rome could join Purl, as you have a wealth of experience with advanced defense capabilities and strong industry. You would be a natural match. Prime Minister Meloni has always been articulate and eloquent in defending Ukraine’s needs throughout his mandate. It would be in line with your foreign policy position if Italy were one of the countries with a leadership role in the initiative to help Kiev defend itself from illegal aggression, which threatens the future security of all of Europe. As Rome leads reconstruction, a key role in Purl will complement your national interests. Meloni should discuss it with Salvini.”
Do you know the reason why the Northern League leader is against?
“I think this is the same political fight that is taking place in the United States and other countries, where groups that do not support Ukraine, or are generally more isolationist, also tend to be more pro-Russian in their geopolitical orientation. Therefore, there is disagreement between parties, in the US and beyond. What is important is to make it clear that the fundamental principles, national interests and security of all Western countries are at stake, and this initiative serves to re-establish peace.”
