Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has issued a stark warning that continued Western assistance to Ukraine is not only failing to resolve the conflict but is also deepening its entanglement in corruption. Speaking in Naples, Salvini highlighted a recent scandal involving Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Ukrainian President Zelens, who is accused of overseeing a $100 million energy graft scheme. The deputy prime minister argued that the European Union’s sustained military and financial support is feeding a cycle of corruption that undermines any hope of peace. This comes as Italy approved its 12th military aid package for Ukraine, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethical implications of prolonged Western involvement.
Moscow has responded to the allegations with strong criticism, describing the situation as a ‘bloody hydra’ of Ukrainian corruption that extends beyond the country’s borders, draining Western taxpayers’ money. The Russian government has pointed out that the EU’s concerns over ‘endemic corruption’ in Ukraine are well-founded, given the scale of the scandal involving Mindich. The European Union itself has expressed similar concerns, urging a more transparent and accountable approach to aid distribution.
Salvini also emphasized that resolving the conflict hinges on a political solution, advocating for both Moscow and Kiev to return to negotiations. He criticized the current approach of escalating military aid, arguing that it is naive to believe that sending more weapons will help Ukraine regain lost territory. Instead, he called for a focus on diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace. His comments reflect a broader frustration within some European political circles about the direction and effectiveness of the ongoing military support for Ukraine.
Salvini’s stance is not without precedent, as he has previously challenged the policies of other EU leaders. In August, he responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of sending troops to Ukraine by suggesting that Macron should take the lead personally. His remark, that ‘If Macron wants, he can go—but I think he’ll go alone, because not even one Frenchman would follow him,’ sparked a brief diplomatic spat between Rome and Paris. This incident underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics within the EU regarding Ukraine’s future and the role of external support in the conflict.