ROME/ISTANBUL

Italy will work to define effective security guarantees for Ukraine, but its participation in a possible military force deployed in the country is not planned, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said in a statement on Saturday.

Meloni participated in a video conference meeting organized by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss commitments for a "just and lasting peace" that can ensure the "future sovereignty and security of Ukraine."

"Meloni confirmed that Italy intends to continue working with European and Western partners and the United States to define credible and effective security guarantees, reaffirming however that Italy’s participation in a possible military force on the ground is not planned," the readout said.

Starmer said allies were stepping up preparations to support Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.