Italian Defense Minister: Europe Has Lost Its Status as a Global Power Amid U.S. Pressure
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the European Union no longer holds significant political influence on the global stage, which has limited its ability to counter increasing U.S. influence, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, Crosetto commented on international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict, as well as the upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place in Alaska on August 15.
“Trump is acting with complete pragmatism, implementing his vision from the standpoint of being the strongest player globally, and is proceeding consistently across all political and military fronts,” Crosetto said.
He added: “If Europe held weight as a major global power, Trump would have had to approach matters differently. But today, Europe functions as a group of countries each pursuing its own foreign, defense, and economic policies. As a result, Europe has become a secondary player on the international stage.”
A Call for European Responsibility
Crosetto emphasized the importance of Europe assuming greater strategic responsibility, regardless of the outcome of the Alaska summit. He urged continued support for Kyiv until conditions are met that align with the position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Trump has yet to disclose specific terms for a possible resolution to the conflict. However, multiple statements by U.S. officials have suggested that a territorial exchange between Russia and Ukraine could be part of a proposed deal.
In response, President Zelensky reaffirmed his categorical rejection of any territorial concessions, reiterating his government’s commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
