By Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Economic pressure on Russia remains "the most effective weapon" to pressure it to end its conflict with Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister
Meloni: Economic Pressure on Russia Essential to Achieve Peace Amid Energy Crisis
Italy and Europe Face Energy Challenges Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict
By Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte
Meloni’s Stance on Economic Sanctions Against Russia
ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Economic pressure on Russia remains "the most effective weapon" to pressure it to end its conflict with Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday, when asked whether Europe should ease its ban on Moscow's gas imports.
Context: EU Gas Import Ban and Energy Supply Concerns
Meloni spoke on the sidelines of a wine fair after the head of energy group Eni said that the EU restriction should be reconsidered as the bloc grapples with the fallout of the Iran conflict on energy supplies.
Impact of Iran Conflict on European Energy Security
Energy worries have mounted in Italy and across Europe after the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally carries about a fifth of global LNG supplies, to most shipping.
"The economic pressure that we have exerted on Russia over these years is the most effective weapon to help build peace, and therefore we must be very careful about how we move forward," Meloni told reporters.
Upcoming Restrictions and Political Responses
Moscow faces a ban on imports of liquefied natural gas on short-term contracts from April 25 and on long-term contracts from January 1, 2027. Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said it was unclear how to replace 20 billion cubic metres of Russian LNG.
Diplomatic Efforts and Internal Political Debate
Speaking in the northern Italian city of Verona, Meloni, who is due to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Rome on Wednesday, said she hoped progress towards peace could be made before the ban takes effect.
Her ally, the far-right League party, which has often expressed pro-Russia views, is also urging her to reopen supplies from Moscow.
Proposals to Address Energy Prices
Party leader Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday he had discussed with Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti an unspecified plan to freeze energy prices at levels seen before the Iran war broke out on February 28, but did not provide details on the potentially costly move.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Janane Venkatraman)
