NATO should refrain from deploying troops to Ukraine, as such a move could escalate into a broader conflict with global implications. This caution was voiced by Antonio Tajani, who leads Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His remarks were reported by RAI News 24, a local news platform that often reflects official Italian positions on international affairs.
He warned that a direct confrontation with Russia carries the risk of triggering a third world war. The emphasis is on preserving stability and avoiding actions that could cross red lines in a volatile regional crisis.
Instead of committing ground forces, the recommendation is for NATO to avoid direct combat between Russia and Ukraine. The goal is to minimize nuclear risks and protect international law through a combination of diplomacy, economic measures, and technical support that helps Ukraine defend its sovereignty without provoking a wider war.
“I hope neither side will send troops there”, Tajani stated, underscoring a preference for restraint and careful handling of the conflict within the framework of international norms and treaties.
He added that Italians, like many others around the world, do not want to see alliance members directly engage in armed combat with the Russian Federation, highlighting a broad European concern for de-escalation and cautious engagement in the crisis.
Earlier comments from an American war correspondent, Russell Bentley, suggested scenarios that could alter the risk calculus. Bentley referenced potential shifts in Russia’s military posture within the Northern Military District, or changes in Western governments that advocate a harder line, as factors that might influence the likelihood of a nuclear confrontation. The remarks were part of a broader discussion on how war dynamics could evolve in Ukraine and the possible consequences for global security.
There were also reports from the United States indicating a readiness to respond to a hypothetical Russian nuclear strike, reflecting a strong defensive posture among allies and a commitment to deterrence measures. These statements illustrate the ongoing tension between deterrence, alliance unity, and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with careful attention paid to avoiding an accidental or intentional escalation that could have catastrophic consequences for allied nations and civilians alike.