Italy Says Russian Energy Supplies Depend on End of Ukraine Conflict

(MENAFN) Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Wednesday that resuming energy supplies from Russia would only be viable once hostilities between Kyiv and Moscow have concluded, according to reports.

“Resuming energy supplies, and specifically gas, from Russia I hope can be a prospect with arms laid down between Kiev and Moscow. Because right now talking about business with a war going on is complicated,” he said.

Salvini’s remarks come amid a broader energy shock affecting the global economy, following the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The crisis has reignited discussions in parts of Europe about whether to reconsider energy ties with Russia, which were sharply reduced after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

He also stated that Italy will not deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz unless such action receives UN authorization.

Regional tensions intensified after US and Israeli forces launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,340 deaths. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets, while also restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—though the waterway was later reopened under the ceasefire agreement.

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