Italy Proposes Extending NATO Protection to Ukraine

Italy has suggested offering Ukraine protection under NATO's collective defense without granting full membership. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the proposal during an EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, emphasizing the need for long-term security solutions beyond European peacekeeping troops, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Meloni argued that extending NATO's Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, would provide Ukraine with a stable and effective security guarantee. "This is not the same as joining NATO, but it would give Ukraine the same security umbrella," she stated.

The proposal comes as European leaders seek ways to bolster support for Kyiv amid growing pressure from the U.S. to end the war. Last month, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership, a stance echoed by former President Donald Trump.

Meloni also expressed skepticism about alternative measures, such as deploying UN peacekeeping forces, noting that such missions are typically implemented after a peace process has begun.

While the proposal has garnered interest, it faces significant challenges, particularly from the U.S. Ukraine, which had hoped for NATO membership at the 2024 Washington Summit, continues to push for a stronger NATO presence to counter Russia's military actions.