QUICK READ 12-5: The Italian Prime Minister believes the ‘key’ to stop the war in Ukraine is the US and Russia

Local residents collect drinking water in the city of Mariupol, Ukraine – Photo: REUTERS

* Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi thinks the US and Russia need to talk to each other to try to end the fighting in Ukraine, the day after meeting with US President Joe Biden.

According to Mr. Draghi, he and Mr. Biden recognize that the path to peace is very complicated, but say that everyone needs to work to help Russia and Ukraine find an end to the conflict.

* According to Reuters news agency, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin does not believe the President Russia Vladimir Putin wants to confront the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) militarily.

“When you look at how Putin calculates, I’m sure this leader has his own opinion, but my view is that Russia doesn’t want to confront NATO,” Austin said during a meeting. testified before the US Congress on May 11.

* Spokesperson for the US State Department, Mr. Ned Price said US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan met with Russian officials to discuss a range of issues in the bilateral relationship.

“Ambassador Sullivan is discussing issues in the bilateral relationship with his Russian counterparts. These issues tend to be rather narrow. In many cases, these issues tend to be operationally focused. action of our embassy,” explained Mr. Price.

* According to Reuters news agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed defense aid, cooperation in the energy sector and increased sanctions on Russia. .

“We appreciate the high level of dialogue with Germany and support in our struggle!” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.

Locals cook in an outdoor makeshift kitchen in Mariupol city, Ukraine – Photo: REUTERS

* Russia has imposed sanctions on units of Gazprom Germania and also on EuRoPol, owner of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline section in Poland. Gas producer Gazprom has ceded ownership of Gazprom Germania and also EuRoPol.

The list of sanctioned entities published by the Russian Government on its website on May 11 includes 31 companies. The list does not specify the nature of the sanctions to be imposed.

* British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declares NATO a defensive alliance and does not pose a threat to any other country, as Sweden and Finland consider joining the organization.

Earlier, Britain and Finland said in a joint statement that they had agreed to strengthen defense and security cooperation and stood ready to support each other militarily in the event of an attack on either country. labour.

* Ukraine’s top gas officials say Russia bears full responsibility for reducing the flow of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine.

According to Reuters, the head of Ukraine’s gas transit operator said Ukraine was never the cause of the transit stoppage, and blamed the reduction in gas flows on Russian forces.