Italy reportedly offers to help demining in Ukraine

 ROME - Italy is offering to send troops to Ukraine for demining operations, Palazzo Chigi, the prime minister's office, has been quoted as saying, in what may be a departure from Italy's staunch opposition until now to taking part in peace-keeping operations in the war-torn country, La Repubblica newspaper has reported. The report apparently contradicted a simultaneous statement by the Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani who claims Italy still has no plans whatsoever to put any boots on the ground in Ukraine. 

 Speaking at the Rimini Meeting following the G7 of Foreign Ministers, Tajani underlined what he says is the central role of himself and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in steering Italy’s foreign policy. “Foreign relations are the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister,” he said, brushing off what he called “political skirmishes” following League leader Matteo Salvini’s recent attacks on French President Emanuel Macron.

 “There is no diplomatic crisis with France,” Tajani affirmed. “I spoke at length with my French counterpart Barrot to prepare the G7. We may not always agree with our European friends, but success comes from the strength of ideas, not the violence of words.”

 The foreign minister also signalled unity within the ruling coalition, downplaying internal tensions, and Carlo Fidanza, head of the Brothers of Italy delegation to the European Parliament, spoke on behalf of Meloni:  “It’s natural for leaders of the governing majority to have their political disputes, but that doesn’t change the government’s direction. The facts show that the majority has always voted unitedly on all measures concerning foreign and defence policy, and it will continue to do so.”

 While rejecting any participation in front-line military operations, Italy is positioning itself to play a critical role in Ukraine's post-war recovery, particularly in the demining of land and sea.

 According to La Repubblica, Rome has offered a concrete proposal to its allies during recent closed-door meetings of national security advisors and defence officials. The Italian government expressed readiness to deploy naval and army specialists for demining operations once a ceasefire is reached.

 “Italy could make an important contribution thanks to our extensive experience in maritime and land demining,” Tajani said at a G7 press conference. He emphasized that this proposal, although currently theoretical due to the stalled peace process, has gained traction in international coordination efforts.

 Italy’s armed forces are capable of deploying mine-hunting vessels and support frigates to clear sea routes, a task they’ve already proposed under Mario Draghi’s premiership back in 2022, when the Italian navy offered to demine grain shipping lanes in the Black Sea. The current plan is far broader: Ukrainian estimates suggest that nearly 30% of the country will need to be cleared. It’s a decades-long effort, expected to involve at least 5,000 personnel from friendly nations.

 As well as ground support, Italy’s air force and intelligence services may also assist in post-truce “air policing” missions, helping Ukraine secure its airspace in coordination with Western allies, particularly in response to the ongoing air power imbalance with Russia.

 Tajani has emphasized that transatlantic unity is vital to push forward negotiations with Moscow. “We are working toward a just and lasting peace, one that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence,” he said. Italy, he noted, is also advocating for solid, NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially involving support from the United States.

 “Our goal is a direct dialogue between Zelensky and Putin,” Tajani added, underlining that Italy’s diplomatic efforts are focused on creating the conditions for a durable ceasefire – not military escalation.

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