Italy’s Meloni calls for ‘pragmatism’ on tariffs, supports Trump’s ceasefire efforts for Ukraine

MILAN — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called for “pragmatism” to prevent an EU-US dispute over tariffs from escalating into a full-scale trade war, and expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine. On Ukraine “We support the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in this sense,’' she said, adding that the proposed ceasefire deal ”is a first significant step in a path that must lead to a justice and lasting peace for Ukraine.” Meloni also ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine, saying “it is not on the agenda.” “We believe that the dispatch of European troops proposed in a draft by Britain and France is a very complex, risky and ineffective option,’' she said. “I am convinced that we need to work concretely and with pragmatism to find common ground and avoid a trade war that would not benefit anyone, not the United States, and not Europe,’’ Meloni said. She warned against retaliatory tariffs “that become a vicious circle where everyone loses.” On migration Meloni said Italy is determined to operate centers in Albania that it built last year to screen asylum-seekers, saying she has received support for the project from other EU governments.