Italy to amplify support for Ukraine during G7 presidency, Reuters
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni (Photo: Getty Images)
Italy hopes to use its presidency of the G7 to challenge growing perceptions that Russia is prevailing in Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Italy is set to lead the Group of Seven (G7), which also includes the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, throughout 2024 and will host a summit in June.
The source also reports that key issues on the agenda for G7 leaders will include the conflict in the Middle East, food security, climate change, development in Africa, interaction with China, and artificial intelligence.
"As in the last two G7 presidencies, the war in Ukraine will also be a major consideration," writes Reuters.
Putin has suffered a lot since the beginning of the war in Ukraine
The article indicates that the once firm support for Ukraine from the West during the war seems to have shifted in recent months due to political differences in Washington and Brussels, leading to delays in supplying much-needed weaponry and funding.
However, the source mentions that G7 leaders are determined to demonstrate continued support for Kyiv and cannot afford to show signs of weakness two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"We must change the narrative on Ukraine," said the source, adding that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had lost significant financial, military, and diplomatic influence since the invasion.
Delay in funding assistance to Ukraine from the U.S.
In recent months, a political war erupted in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate between Democrats and Republicans over a bill providing financial assistance to Ukraine and other allies.
In October 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden submitted a bill to Congress proposing $106 billion in aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as strengthening the defense-industrial complex. Of this amount, $61.3 billion was proposed for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel.
However, on December 6, Republicans blocked the start of debates on the bill in the Senate.
It was also reported on January 12 that the White House announced the suspension of financial assistance to Ukraine until Congress approves a new funding package.
