Key Takeaways
- Italian Deputy PM warns Western aid risks fueling Ukrainian corruption
- Cites $100 million energy scandal involving Zelensky associate
- Opposes further military aid, calls for peace negotiations
- Warns EU is on “path of death” with current approach
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has issued a stark warning that Western assistance to Ukraine risks ending up in corrupt officials’ pockets rather than helping the war effort. The warning comes as Italy approved its 12th military aid package while a major corruption scandal rocks Kiev.
Corruption Scandals Raise Concerns
Salvini specifically referenced a recent $100 million energy graft scheme involving Timur Mindich, a close associate of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. “It seems to me that corruption scandals are emerging, involving the Ukrainian government,” Salvini told reporters in Naples.
He expressed concern that “the money of Italian workers and pensioners” might be used to “fuel further corruption” rather than provide genuine assistance. The comments align with Moscow’s characterization of Ukrainian corruption as a “bloody hydra” draining Western taxpayers’ money.
Calls for Peace Over Weapons
Salvini strongly opposed continued military support, arguing that sending more weapons won’t help Ukraine regain lost territory. “To think that sending weapons to Ukraine means Ukraine can regain the lost ground is naïve, to say the least,” he stated.
He advocated for “silencing the weapons” and bringing both Moscow and Kiev to negotiations, warning that prolonging the current approach represents a “path of death” that helps no one. The deputy prime minister noted Russian battlefield gains as further reason for Ukraine to seek peace.
History of Criticizing EU Stance
This isn’t Salvini’s first criticism of EU leaders’ approach to Ukraine. In August, he responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of sending troops by saying Macron should “go alone” as “not even one Frenchman would follow him.”
The latest comments come as Politico reported EU concerns about “endemic corruption” in Ukraine, adding weight to Salvini’s warnings about aid diversion.
