On Friday, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said that providing additional aid to Ukraine would not resolve the war with Russia and could exacerbate corruption. He referenced the ongoing energy corruption scandal in Kyiv and the dismissal of two cabinet ministers.

Salvini’s Criticism and Concerns

Salvini, leader of the far-right League Party, argued that sending more weapons would not solve the problem. He told ANSA, “It seems to me that corruption scandals involving the Ukrainian government are emerging. Therefore, I do not want the money of Italian workers and retirees to be used to fuel further corruption.”

He added, “Recent events, together with the advance of Russian forces, show that stopping the war is in everyone’s, especially Ukraine’s, interest.” Salvini, who forged close ties with Russia before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has so far supported Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s decision to send military aid to Kyiv but has avoided directly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Government Response

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called halting aid to Ukraine “nonsense” during comments in Berlin. Speaking to ANSA, he said, “I understand Salvini’s concerns, but I do not judge a country based on two corrupt individuals. We are trying to help civilians affected by Russian attacks.”

Italy’s Support for Ukraine

Italy has signed its 12th military aid package for Kyiv and pledged to send electricity generators to help Ukraine cope with its winter energy crisis. However, Rome has not joined the NATO-led initiative to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine. The matter is still being discussed within the government.