President Biden found an unlikely ally in Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as they joined forces to support Ukraine’s war effort amid faltering U.S. aid. The two leaders met at the White House on Friday, where they expressed solidarity and pledged to have each other’s backs, as well as Ukraine’s.
The meeting marked a significant shift in tone from when Meloni was first elected, with Biden praising her for demonstrating support since taking office. They also discussed various foreign policy issues, including addressing global migration and preventing conflicts in the Middle East.
Biden emphasized their unity in supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, urging Congress to pass legislation to provide billions of dollars in aid. The President has been actively pushing for military assistance to Ukraine, warning that delays could benefit Russia.
Despite Meloni’s far-right background and past associations with pro-Russian elements, she has shown a commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthening ties with the trans-Atlantic community. This unexpected partnership has surprised many observers, including Charles A. Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
While Meloni has faced criticism for her far-right policies in Italy, Biden has chosen to focus on their shared goals in foreign policy. The Italian Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of addressing human trafficking and global migration, aligning with Biden’s recent efforts to tackle these issues.
Overall, the alliance between Biden and Meloni underscores the importance of international cooperation in supporting Ukraine and addressing key global challenges. Their partnership may also help sway public opinion in Italy towards supporting Ukraine, despite some skepticism in the country.
