Italian President Sergio Mattarella addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a strong message regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. President Mattarella emphatically stated that the resolution of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should not involve rewarding Moscow’s aggression. Instead, he advocated that peace can only be achieved when Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully restored.
This stance comes at a critical time when Italy, currently leading the G7 meetings, and several international partners are rallying in defense of Ukraine. Mattarella’s remarks underscored a key principle: acts that violate international law and the U.N. Charter must not be left unchallenged. He emphasized, “No state, no matter how powerful or how equipped it is with a menacing nuclear arsenal can think of violating principles, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of another country without facing sanctions.”
The Italian president reflected on Europe’s past, recalling the end of two world wars and the Soviet Union’s collapse, which had ignited a sense of hope across the continent. However, he criticized Russia for its role in extinguishing that hope by reintroducing war into the European heartland. Mattarella pointed out that Russia’s invasion is not a mere regional skirmish but a conflict with global ramifications, given Moscow’s role as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and its influence on international peace and security.
Additionally, Mattarella highlighted the war’s broader consequences, including exacerbating food and energy scarcities, with particular impact on parts of Africa. These shortages have undermined the post-Cold War peace dividend, which was meant to shift resources from arms to development. Instead, he lamented that the current situation has sparked a new arms race.
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Mattarella reinforced the commitment of Italy, its international partners, and communities worldwide to seek a peaceful and enduring solution. However, he stressed that “not just any solution” would suffice, especially not one that would “reward the aggressor and humiliate those being attacked, setting a dangerous precedent for everyone.”
Mattarella maintained that a just and lasting peace must adhere to “the noble and inalienable principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
Relevant articles:
– Italy’s president says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can’t be solved by rewarding Moscow’s aggression, The Associated Press, 05/08/2024
– Italian president explains his vision of ending war in Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda, 05/08/2024