Rome: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly criticized the recent diesel supply agreement between the United States and Russia, describing it as a “very risky choice” that could weaken international efforts to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Addressing the Italian Parliament ahead of this week’s European Union summit, Meloni argued that the agreement could provide Russia with fresh economic resources while reducing the impact of Western sanctions. Under the deal announced last week, Russia is expected to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the United States and global markets.

Meloni said the agreement could grant political legitimacy to Russia at a time when the conflict in Ukraine continues, warning that additional energy revenues may help finance Moscow’s military operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized the arrangement, calling it an investment in a war that should instead be brought to an end through diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump defended the agreement, stating that increased diesel supplies would help lower energy prices in the United States, where fuel costs have become a major political issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The Italian Prime Minister also called for a more unified European approach to negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that the European Union appoint an officially mandated representative or authorize the E3 group—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—to negotiate on behalf of all member states. In addition, Meloni warned that EU leaders would discuss what she described as an increase in Russian hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, drone incursions, sabotage, and other covert activities targeting critical infrastructure. She stressed the need to strengthen the protection of energy networks, ports, airports, undersea cables, and other strategic assets across Europe.