Putin will not be able to divide Europe from the United States, whose alliance is strengthened by the common goal of restoring peace in Ukraine and putting an end to the massacres that have shocked the whole world in these three months. This is what the Prime Minister said Mario Draghi in yesterday's one-hour meeting at the White House with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, in which the Italian prime minister, with his usual diplomatic skill, tried to strike a balance between European and American strategies on the tragedy of war and on how to end it as soon as possible. Biden did not force his hand and was generous with appreciation for Draghi: "You are a good friend and a great ally".
Draghi condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but accepts Macron's appeal for moderation
The Italian premier first reassured the American president by saying: “Putin tried to divide us, but he failed. We are more united than before." But then Draghi conveyed to Biden all the concern of the Italian people of the Old Continent for a war that is knocking on the door: “In Italy and in Europe our people want an end to these massacres, this violence, this butchery. People are thinking about the possibility of bringing about a ceasefire and starting over with credible negotiations. I think we need to think deeply about how to deal with all of this."
Very clear message that condemns in no uncertain terms the war unjustifiably launched by Putin but takes into consideration the message of French President Emmanuel Macron on the eve of which he had reminded everyone, but above all Biden, that one cannot think of achieving peace by humiliating Russia, with which we must instead find a way to deal despite Putin's resistance. Aiming immediately for a ceasefire to then arrive at a real peace between Russia and Ukraine
Biden to Draghi: "I don't know how he managed to unite NATO and the EU"
The American president, on the other hand, remains convinced that the tsar must be defeated in order to arrive at a stable peace, but he does not contradict Draghi and tells him: "There is one thing I appreciate about you: the effort to unite NATO and the EU: it was difficult to think that went hand in hand but she succeeded”. In other words: arms to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia without hesitation. However, Biden realizes the difficulties of Italy and Europe and Draghi says he is ready to play his part but with the necessary flexibility.
And, under the benevolent gaze of Janet Yellen, the US Treasury Secretary she met when they were both at the helm of central banks on both sides of the Atlantic, took the opportunity to ask Biden for a hand in freeing Italy from dependence on Russian gas. As? By increasing the production of American gas, holding down its price and increasing the flow of liquid gas. It is no coincidence that Draghi was also accompanied on his trip to America by the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, who is also a good connoisseur of the Libyan situation, which was not overlooked in yesterday's meeting at the White House.
Draghi asks for aid from the US for energy
“What is happening – comments Draghi – will bring massive changes to Europe”. And Biden takes the opportunity to appreciate the effort Italy is making to diversify energy sources. Draghi also does not miss the opportunity to urge the American President to take action to unblock wheat exports from Ukraine and tackle the food crisis especially in Africa.
Today Draghi will hold a press conference and meet Nancy Pelosi in Congress. In the next few days it will be better understood if and how much the Italian mission in America has been successful.
