Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that it would be useful to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, but stressed that discussing this issue before a ceasefire is reached is extremely difficult, the Italian news agency ANSA reported, BTA reports.
Crosetto stressed that Italy traditionally participates in peacekeeping missions, but if the need arises in the future, parliament would have to approve such a decision.
„The presence of the international community is a guarantee of stability and security in a region that needs it. But it is difficult to talk about such a mission before a ceasefire or clear rules for its observance are reached,“ the minister said.
He also expressed skepticism about the idea of creating an independent European army. According to him, European defense can only be ensured through the cooperation of national armies within NATO.
“European armed forces can only function through interaction between the armies of Italy, Germany, France and Spain, as is already happening within NATO. This is possible thanks to joint command and control,“ Crosetto explained.
The minister confirmed Italy's readiness to participate in future international missions, if this is approved by parliament.