The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has responded to the statements made by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky and urged him to sign a peace agreement with Russia as soon as possible. The Ukrainian side advised the Italian politician to direct such calls to the Kremlin, which initiated the war.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s Reaction to Salvini’s Statements
On January 25, Matteo Salvini posted on social media X, where he accused Volodymyr Zelensky of continuing to “complain” despite substantial financial assistance and support, and urged the Ukrainian leader to agree to a peace deal with Russia as soon as possible.
“We heard Zelensky, who, after all the money received, efforts, and assistance, still has the audacity to complain. My friend, you are losing the war, you are losing people, authority, and dignity: sign a peace agreement as soon as possible. You need to choose between defeat and disaster,” Salvini stated in his post on social media X.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy noted the contribution of the Italian people in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that the resolution of the peace issue for Europe is taking place on the battlefield in Ukraine. Tikhiy cited the example of Ukrainians participating in the Battle of Monte Cassino during World War II, noting that back then, the fighters did not choose between defeat and disaster, but fought alongside allies for the freedom of Italy and all of Europe. He stressed that today Ukraine is fighting for a European future.
Diplomatic Context and Political Situation in Italy
Tikhiy emphasized that if Matteo Salvini is genuinely concerned about the fate of a peace agreement, he should address not Ukraine, which is forced to defend itself, but Vladimir Putin, who initiated aggression against the Ukrainian state.
Salvini’s statements came against the backdrop of diplomatic negotiations that took place on January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi between representatives of Ukraine, the USA, and Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as constructive and reported that Ukraine is ready for further meetings, which may take place soon. American special envoy Steve Vitkoff also confirmed plans for new negotiations, although the exact date has not yet been announced.
At the same time, in 2024, Italian opposition politicians criticized the far-right party “League,” led by Salvini, for its ties to Vladimir Putin amid the war in Ukraine. Despite a vote of no confidence from the opposition, Salvini retained his position in the ruling coalition of Giorgia Meloni’s government.