European leaders remain far from discussing the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, as their current priority lies in securing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said during a joint press conference in Rome on Saturday.
Speaking after high-level bilateral talks at the Chigi Palace, both leaders emphasized that any escalation involving European ground troops in the conflict would be premature and counterproductive, especially when diplomatic avenues remain open.
“The next step must be to define the framework for peace negotiations and identify what kind of long-term security guarantees might eventually be necessary for Ukraine,” Chancellor Merz told reporters. “However, at this point, these elements are not yet foreseeable.”
Prime Minister Meloni echoed those sentiments, stressing that Europe must present a united front to avoid fragmenting its diplomatic influence. “We are committed to exploring all diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation and avoid further destabilization of the region,” she said. “The focus must remain on pressuring Russia through sanctions and international isolation to come to the negotiating table.”
The joint statement from Berlin and Rome comes amid growing anxiety across the European Union regarding the potential expansion of the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. While some Eastern European nations have expressed increasing frustration over what they perceive as the West’s slow military response, most of Western Europe remains cautious about becoming directly involved in the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy earlier this year by not ruling out the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine in a hypothetical scenario, drawing criticism from several allies, including Germany and Italy, who believe such rhetoric could inflame tensions further.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has faced intensified Russian assaults in the eastern Donbas region and around Kharkiv, prompting Kyiv to request additional military aid, air defense systems, and commitments for long-term security cooperation from Western allies.
Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for Ukraine through non-combat military aid, including the supply of advanced air defense systems and humanitarian assistance. “Our support is unwavering, but it must remain within a framework that does not provoke a wider conflict,” he added.
Meloni, who has taken a firm stance in support of Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, reiterated that Italy would continue to assist Ukraine with defense equipment and humanitarian support, but ruled out the possibility of sending Italian troops unless under a clear international mandate.
Both leaders concluded by stating that the European Council’s upcoming summit in Brussels would further address the contours of a potential peace process, while reviewing the effectiveness of existing sanctions and determining future strategic steps.
As the war enters its third year, pressure is mounting on both sides to move toward a resolution, though neither Moscow nor Kyiv has signaled any willingness to compromise on key territorial issues. In this context, European leaders remain focused on diplomacy, deterrence, and unified strategic planning, rather than direct military intervention.