France and Italy diplomatic rift on Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Paris/Rome — A sharp diplomatic rift has emerged between France and Italy over the kind of security guarantees Europe should provide to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia, exposing deep divisions within the continent’s political leadership.

The dispute escalated after Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini launched a scathing attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, mocking his push for a possible European troop deployment in post-war Ukraine. Salvini told Macron to “wear a bulletproof vest and go to Ukraine yourself,” comments that led Paris to summon the Italian ambassador last week.

Speaking at a rally, Salvini accused Macron of “using the war as a distraction” from falling domestic popularity, alleging that his calls for European armies, nuclear umbrellas, and missile defenses were politically motivated.

France, with support from the United Kingdom, is calling for a European military force with air, land, and naval components to protect Ukraine once a truce is reached.

“This would not be a neutral peacekeeping force,” explained Élie Tenenbaum, Director at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). “It would operate alongside Ukrainians, showing Moscow that any renewed aggression would face a European coalition, not Ukraine alone.”

French officials argue this approach strengthens European strategic autonomy and reduces reliance on the United States for regional security.

Rome, however, strongly opposes deploying Italian troops, warning it could escalate tensions with Moscow. Instead, Italy backs a NATO-style Article 5 model, under which European states would pledge collective defense support for Ukraine if Russia attacks again — without formally admitting Kyiv into NATO.

The divergence also reflects internal divisions in Italy’s coalition government. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently supported Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia, while Salvini’s Lega party, which maintains historic ties to the Kremlin, has pushed back against deeper engagement.

Thank you for reading! For comprehensive news coverage and exclusive stories, visit SafartiTarjuman.com