Italian senator spreading russian narratives encourages russia to continue committing crimes – Ukraine's foreign ministry
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Ukraine should not make all decisions about its future on its own, and the international community should play a role in this, considering the country's interests.
The Italian senator from the League party, Massimiliano Romeo, stated this, EP reports.
The senator's rhetoric came in response to the statement of the new Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, who unequivocally supported Ukraine and its NATO partners in resisting russian aggression.
She also noted that the Ukrainians should decide how to conduct the war.
"It's a bit harsh to hear from you that 'Ukrainians will decide.' Of course, we must respect the will of Ukrainians, but it would be better to say that the international community will decide in the interests of Ukraine," the senator noted.
We will remind you that Senator Romeo submitted a request to the parliament to recognize Crimea as russian.
Romeo noted that his League party supports Ukraine and the West but asked the prime minister to show "an act of courage."
In particular, he asked Meloni to insist on holding an international conference on defense and security in Europe so that Italy could "condition the international geopolitical scenario" and not be a sycophant to Ukraine's unconditional support.
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"Along with France and Germany, we are one of the founding countries, as well as those who risk the most in the conditions of continuous conflict," explained Romeo.
According to the senator, the conference can be an opportunity to start peace negotiations.
"Because now even the United States is realizing this might be the way to go," the senator said.
It should be noted that the opposition regarding Ukraine and russia within the right-wing coalition (Fratelli d'Italia, Lega, and Forza Italia) was evident on the eve and during the elections. However, tensions were believed to subside after forming a coalition government.
However, the publication notes it is expected that Romeo's new statement will cause Meloni even more of a headache.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaction
The ministry reacted to the statement of the Italian senator Massimiliano Romeo regarding the need for the international community to participate in deciding the future of Ukraine.
The agency said that spreading russian narratives encourages russia to commit further crimes in Ukraine.
The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleh Nikolenko, noted that the Italian senator's statement reflects his personal opinion, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clearly articulated Italy's position:
- continued support for Ukraine amid russian aggression,
- the indisputable right of Ukrainians to determine their future.
"Almost in every country, there will be politicians who will try to please putin. At the same time, they should realize that by spreading russian narratives, they are encouraging russia to continue its crimes against Ukraine," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
