Russia's missile test seen as intimidation tactic: Italy argues
In recent days, Russia launched an experimental medium-range ballistic missile towards Ukraine, which - according to Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani - is "old" and "modified." On Saturday, Tajani remarked that such an action is aimed at intimidating the opponent.
24 November 2024 07:28
In his statement to the Italian station Rete 4, the Italian Foreign Minister commented that "Putin behaves like ancient warriors who banged their swords on shields to intimidate their opponents."
Tajani stressed that in reality, this is nothing new. - There is nothing new here. These are missiles that have been modified to scare the Ukrainian opponent and to assert dominance - he explained.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russia is making efforts to take control of small towns in border areas to gain an advantage in negotiations. He also pointed out that Ukraine has adopted a similar strategy by occupying parts of Russian territory.
- However - as the Deputy Prime Minister noted - it is the Ukrainians defending themselves, and the aggressor is Putin. He is issuing dangerous threats - said Tajani, referring to the Russian leader's style of leadership, noting that Putin grew up with a "KGB mentality."
- Putin thinks that everything can be resolved with force and the armed forces and knows little about the tools of diplomacy, to which we are accustomed as a democratic country and the West - stated the head of Italian diplomacy.
"Peace will not mean Ukraine's capitulation"
- During the summit in Warsaw a few days ago, as the five most important countries in the European Union - Italy, Poland, France, Germany, Spain plus the United Kingdom, we decided to continue working together to defend international law and collaborate with the United States, including the new administration, to find a solution - Tajani pointed out.
- The peace we all desire can only be a just peace, meaning it will not result in Ukraine's capitulation to Russia - concluded the head of Italian diplomacy.