Orban at Meloni's, the prime minister's canvas in the Ukraine game

Giorgia Meloni is weaving her web in the delicate situation regarding Ukraine. And within this framework, she will meet with Viktor Orban on Monday afternoon to take stock of the situation, especially in light of the sanctions against Russian oil, which the Hungarian leader has clearly opposed, ready to block any such initiative in Brussels.

Giorgia Meloni shares Orban's view of maintaining the unanimity requirement for European Council decisions on sensitive issues, such as foreign policy and common security (including decisions on sanctions, for example). However, several governments believe Rome is well-positioned to play a mediating role in the negotiations between the United States, with Donald Trump determined to defend oil sanctions, and the European Union.

The issue of sanctions was also addressed on Friday at the Roundtable of the Willing, convened by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Italian Prime Minister participated in the meeting via videoconference. On that occasion, she also confirmed her commitment to a continental strategy, but always with the support of the United States. In this spirit, she reiterated the need for unity between the two sides of the Atlantic to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine, and then begin a serious negotiating process.

A complex game in which Rome is carving out a role, albeit an informal one, to intervene on specific issues that, once resolved, could gradually clear up some rough edges and obstacles to achieving the ultimate goal of peace. In this context, the meeting with Viktor Orban at Palazzo Chigi would have the blessing of the allies, in an effort to keep a channel open with Budapest on this front. And to ensure that the EU, when important decisions need to be made, moves forward with maximum unity.

The Hungarian leader will also meet with the Pope in Rome, at the Vatican. And in international political and diplomatic circles, it's not ruled out that some issues discussed at Palazzo Chigi (such as the war in Ukraine) could somehow factor into the talks with the Pontiff.