Italy's Deputy Prime Minister says Zelenskyy is "impudent" for "losing" the war. The Foreign Ministry responded
Matteo Salvini (Photo: matteosalviniofficial/Instagram)

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and pro-Russian politician Mаtteo Salvini urged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to delay signing a peace agreement, saying that Ukraine is allegedly losing the war. Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi advised Salvini to address such calls to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin .

Salvini, speaking in the Italian region of Abruzzo at the Ideas in Motion event, , said: "We have heard Zelensky, who, after all the money, effort and help he has received, still has the nerve to complain. My friend, you are losing the war, you are losing people, credibility and dignity: sign the peace agreement as soon as possible. You will have to choose between defeat and defeat.".

See also
Europe without the United States. How the continent is preparing to rearm for $1 trillion

In response, Tychyi reminded that between 3000 and 5000 Ukrainians took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

"They did not choose "between defeat and defeat," although victory sometimes seemed far away. They fought side by side with other allies, because the freedom of Italy and the whole of Europe was at stake," the Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized .

He noted that no matter how difficult Ukraine's struggle is today, it is "as fundamental as it was 80 years ago.".

"We will always be grateful for the support of Italy and all Italians who, unlike Matteo Salvini, understand that the fate of peace in Europe will be decided on the battlefield in Ukraine. If the Vice Prime Minister is concerned about the peace agreement, we advise him to address Putin, who started this war, rather than the President of Ukraine, a country that is defending itself from aggression," added Tychy .

BACKGROUND
Salvini has consistently held pro-Kremlin views, he has repeatedly expressed support for the Russian authorities, considers the occupation of Crimea to be legal, believes in the fairness of the "referendum", and supports the lifting of EU sanctions against Russia. He has called the Revolution of Dignity a "fake" and "pseudo-revolution", promoting the Russian lie that it was allegedly financed by foreign powers – similar to the Arab Spring Revolutions.

He also pursues a tough anti-migration policy, He has stated that his country should not be a "European refugee camp".

  • In November 2025, Salvini, against the backdrop of the Midas case, opposed additional aid to Ukraine, saying that it not only allegedly could not end a full-scale war, but could also contribute to corruption. At the same time, the Italian Defense Minister said that it would be "absurd" to stop helping Kyiv .
ItalyForeign Ministrypeace agreementheorhii the quietForeign MinistryItalyMatteo Salvini