Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the US-Russia diesel supply deal a very risky choice that could legitimize Moscow and fund the war in Ukraine, while undermining sanctions efforts.

The deal would see Moscow initially deliver more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets.

Meloni said Western states should continue pressing Russia toward negotiations and cautioned against weakening leverage over Vladimir Putin.

She highlighted high energy prices as Italy’s main economic challenge and urged a coordinated European response, reaffirming Italy’s stance against any budget agreement that cuts the Common Agricultural Policy, fisheries, or cohesion funding.

Within the EU, viewpoints differ: Slovakia remains energy-dependent on Russia and seeks to preserve ties, while other members push for a hardline stance against Moscow.

Meloni delivered the remarks to the Italian parliament ahead of an EU summit, warning of an uncertain outcome from the deal.

The comments were delivered to Parliament in the run-up to the EU summit this week.

Zelensky seeks more EU support at a summit but receives only renewed promises of aid, as Kyiv’s pleas for financial and military assistance persist.

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl argued the deal exposes Western divisions, with the US pursuing pragmatism while the EU pursues an ideological stance.

Meloni urged the EU to appoint an authoritative figure to negotiate Europe’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and suggested a formal mandate for the E3 group (Germany, France, the United Kingdom) if they can act more effectively for Europe.

She stressed that if France, Germany, and Britain believe they can negotiate better separately, they should have a mandate to represent all of Europe rather than acting unilaterally.

Meloni criticized unilateral diplomatic efforts in the E3 format without full EU backing, emphasizing Europe should not act in isolation.