Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has acknowledged that Europe has no weapons at all to prevent Russia from fighting Ukraine, as tensions escalate over Moscow’s intentions in Kyiv.
Speaking at a press conference later in the year in Rome, Draghi highlighted the lack of EU troops and the weakness of any sanctions that could be imposed on the Kremlin.
“Do we have any missiles, ships, tanks, troops? So far we have not and in the meantime Nato has other requirements. “
Draghi said economic sanctions could be the only “restrictive” option but Europe has not been able to stop Russian gas. He said: “It would not be the right time.
The EU is already feeling the pinch rising electricity prices, probably due to the shortage of gas in Russia before the winter.
Moscow has about 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine, sparking Western fears that Russia is preparing for an attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken of “NATO’s” concerns “as well warned of “proper” military action if the western military alliance continues on the Russian border
This month Russia issued a security statement, including a request for Nato to remove Ukrainian members and request permission from Moscow to send people to former Soviet republics.
The US has said some of the requirements are illegal but are preparing for talks between January and Moscow.
Draghi said Europe should continue to work with Putin, who spoke earlier this week with French President Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, Germany’s new chancellor.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Draghi reiterated his role as Italian Prime Minister over, saying his leadership had achieved the goals he had set with the EU.
“Our work can continue no matter who is the leader,” Draghi told a news conference in Rome. “As long as there is as much interaction between the parties as there is here.”
The former president of the European Central Bank is seen as a leader to be the President of Italy from Sergio Mattarella, whose seven-year term is due to end in early 2022. Draghi Tuesday’s remarks were the strongest signal he has given so far regarding his willingness to seize power if legislators elect him.
The follow-up is being closely monitored outside Italy by the role of Draghi, the leader of a coalition government that has established peace and undermined the trust of investors.
If they do move, some observers fear that there will be political turmoil as Italy tries to recover from the Covid epidemic, with billions of euros of EU aid and debt at risk.
Italian law does not consider a second term for incumbent president, although this has already happened in the European debt crisis. Mattarella, whose popularity has grown exponentially over the past four years, has openly denied that he could stay for another season.
“The government has set the conditions for the continuation of the project, no matter who they are [at the helm]”Draghi told a press conference. My future is empty. I have no ambitions, I am a grandma in a civil service,” he added.
Draghi’s election as president could trigger early elections unless there is a consensus that the permanent government will continue until the end of the parliamentary term in 2023. This approach seems to be preferred by Draghi.
“It is important to us [parliamentary term] continue to fight the epidemic, promote growth and establish a EU charity, “Draghi said.
EU funding relies on Italy to hit renewal agreements, which Draghi said are being implemented this year.
The president of Italy is elected by a secret ballot in which the parties often negotiate to elect him, while the candidates do not announce themselves.
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