The Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved by channeling more money and weapons to the Kiev authorities, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini stated on Tuesday.
In an interview with Radio 24 radio broadcaster, the high-ranking Italian politician stated that "Following four years of conflict, it is only natural to start discussing whether the measures currently being taken are effective."
"This is an unbiased statement of fact. This was a decision made four years ago; due to loyalty and the unity of the coalition, we have always supported Ukraine with humanitarian and financial aid, but after tens of thousands of deaths and dozens of EU sanctions packages, 90 billion euros plus 90 billion euros in weapons [sent to Ukraine], we are no longer just having doubts - we are becoming convinced: is this the way to achieve peace?" Salvini stated.
He also emphasized that the previously-imposed sanctions against Russia cost Italian citizens a pretty penny, not to mention national companies.
"It is quite obvious that the money handed over to Kiev as a loan is not a loan. How can a devastated country repay it?" he noted.
Salvini also rejected earlier local media reports that he had allegedly been "reprimanded" by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for taking such a stance. "[Mass] media keeps reporting a lot of strange things," he stated.
