Mattarella called on the EU to speak with one voice on Ukraine and Russia.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said the European Union must demonstrate unity in its policy toward Ukraine and Russia, ANSA reported. His meeting with Italy’s prime minister focused on preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting in Brussels on June 18–19.

It is desirable that the EU speaks with one voice regarding Ukraine and Russia, Mattarella said during a working meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several ministers. Italy has called for a single European representative in negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Mattarella’s statement comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts by the European Union to maintain a unified position on military, financial, and political support for Kyiv. In recent months, member states have shown differences over issues such as sanctions against Russia, increased defense spending, and Ukraine’s future EU accession.

At the upcoming European Council in Brussels, EU leaders will discuss the course of the war, support for Ukraine, European security, and the Union’s defense capabilities. New sanctions against Russia are also expected to be on the agenda, along with efforts to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical tensions.