Statement from the Italian Defense Minister
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has stated that Ukraine is not in a position to achieve a classic military victory against Russia. He believes the responsibility for ending the conflict lies with Vladimir Putin. Crosetto emphasized the complexity of the situation in Ukraine, noting that in the war which began in 2022, Russia has already seized approximately 1.5% of Ukrainian territory. This assessment comes amid ongoing debates in Western capitals about the long-term goals of supporting Kyiv.
Comments on the Role of the International Community
In remarks to the publication Clash Report, Crosetto noted that Italy, Ukraine, Europe, and NATO did not initiate this conflict. He stressed that
"someone started it – and only that person can end it or choose not to end it tomorrow"and that
"Ukraine cannot and will never win the war". According to him, true victory lies not in achieving military objectives, but in Ukraine's ability to endure through this difficult period. His comments highlight the challenging reality on the ground, where a decisive battlefield conclusion appears increasingly remote.
Guido Crosetto's remarks underscore the complexity of the current situation in Ukraine and the role of the international community in resolving the conflict. By noting that a military resolution is improbable, the Italian Defense Minister accents the necessity of diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. These statements may also influence the future actions of Europe and NATO regarding support for Ukraine under the conditions of a protracted war.