Italy’s president says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can’t be solved by rewarding Moscow’s aggression
UNITED NATIONS — Italy’s president told the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cannot be resolved by rewarding its aggression, and that peace can only come when Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are restored.
Sergio Mattarella said that Italy, which now leads the G7 meetings, and many international partners have come to Ukraine’s defense to support the principle that solidarity should be given to countries attacked by acts that violate international law and the UN Charter .
“No state, no matter how powerful or equipped with a menacing nuclear arsenal, can think of violating principles, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of another country, without sanctions being imposed,” he said.
Mattarella said the end of two world wars and the collapse of the Soviet Union had brought new hope to Europe, and that “Russia has taken on the great historic responsibility of bringing the war back to the heart of the European continent.”
The Italian president emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not merely a regional conflict as Moscow seeks to exert global influence. Russia is a permanent member with veto power of the UN Security Council, which is charged with ensuring international peace and security.
The war in Ukraine, once one of the world’s most important breadbaskets, has led to food and energy shortages, especially in parts of Africa, he said.
Mattarella added that the peace dividends that encouraged the allocation of resources to development rather than weapons after the end of the Cold War have been wasted as Russia turns back time and begins a new arms race.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, he said Italy, its international partners and people around the world are committed to achieving a peaceful and long-term solution to the conflict.
“Not just any solution, let alone one that would reward the aggressor and humiliate those attacked, setting a dangerous precedent for all,” Mattarella said.
“If peace is to be fair and long-lasting, it must be based on the noble and inalienable principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” he added.