The conditions are ripe for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict and Italy will focus more on achieving this, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has said. The official added that this does not mean the suspension of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, describing the new approach as a “dual-track strategy.”

Addressing lawmakers in the Italian parliament on Wednesday, Crosetto stressed the importance of a balance between “deterrence and diplomacy” in the coming months. “We have two paths: that of aid without ‘ifs and buts’ – and that of attempting to build a diplomatic path that brings us to the end of the conflict,” the defense chief said.

Crosetto argued that the prospects of a “negotiated settlement” now seem more realistic because the “domestic front[in Ukraine] no longer appears as united as in the past in supporting President [Vladimir] Zelensky’s policies.” The minister also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more inclined toward peace talks than before, claiming he is faced with mounting sanctions pressure and growing conflict fatigue at home.

In addition, Crosetto called into question Ukraine’s ability to further “counter Russian forces… in a condition of persistent numerical and air inferiority,” warning that this year would prove “critical” for Kiev.

https://www.rt.com/news/590506-italy-defense-minister-ukraine-diplomatic-settlement/

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