MILAN (AP) — Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has blamed Ukraine’s president for Russia’s invasion, once more placing him at odds with Premier Giorgia Meloni’s help for Kyiv.
Berlusconi, whose get together is a part of Meloni’s right-wing coalition authorities, is a long-time pal and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He mentioned the battle in Ukraine “would have by no means occurred” had Zelenskyy “ceased attacking the 2 autonomous republics of Donbass.”
Berlusconi mentioned he judged Zelenskyy’s conduct “very, very negatively.” He additionally criticized Meloni for assembly with Zelenskyy, telling reporters Sunday that he wouldn’t have achieved the identical if he have been premier.
The feedback drew a fast rebuttal from Meloni’s workplace, which mentioned that “the federal government’s help for Ukraine is stable and unwavering.’’ Her workplace mentioned help for Ukraine is evident in each authorities coverage and in parliament, manifesting itself in weapons deliveries to Ukrainian forces.
Meloni met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of a summit in Brussels final week, and she or he plans to journey to Ukraine earlier than the yr anniversary of the battle.
Meloni has beforehand warned Berlusconi over his friendship with Putin, and has asserted a powerful pro-NATO, pro-European place on Russia’s battle in Ukraine. The final warning got here after Berlusconi boasted of getting re-established contact with Putin and exchanged items of vodka and wine on his 86th birthday in September.
In his newest remarks, Berlusconi mentioned that U.S. President Joe Biden may assist deliver an finish to the combating by providing Zelenskyy trillions in {dollars} in rebuilding funds, just like the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after World Struggle II.
“Solely one thing like that can persuade this gentleman to comply with a cease-fire,” Berlusconi mentioned.