Harsh reactions come from Kiev to Silvio Berlusconi’s words about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leader of Forza Italia, says Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to Zelensky, “is a VIP agitator who acts within the framework of Russian propaganda, he trades Italy’s reputation for his friendship with Putin. His words are harmful for Italy.”
Zelensky’s aide commented to Repubblica on Berlusconi’s words yesterday about the Ukrainian head of state: “He had only stopped attacking the two autonomous republics of Donbass and this would not have happened. Therefore, I judge this gentleman’s behavior very, very negatively.” , said the former prime minister. “I would never have gone to see Zelensky if he had been prime minister, because we are watching his country being devastated and its soldiers and civilians being slaughtered.”
With his “absurd accusations” Berlusconi “tries to kiss Putin’s bloody hands” as he did with Gaddafi and “encourages Russia to continue its crimes”, is then the position of the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleg Nikolenko, which also expresses “appreciation for Giorgia Meloni’s prompt response” in support of Kiev.
In a Facebook post, Nikolenko recalls working in 2010 at the Ukrainian embassy in Libya: “I remember well when then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi flew to meet Muammar Gaddafi. During an official ceremony in the presence of the camera, Berlusconi kissed the hands of the Libyan dictator to demonstrate his loyalty”. “The absurd accusations against the Ukrainian president are an attempt to kiss Putin’s hands, which are soaked in blood.” “On the other hand, we are immensely grateful for the prompt response of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who reaffirmed the Italian government’s unwavering support for Ukraine after Berlusconi’s unacceptable statements,” concludes Nikolenko.
Source: IL Tempo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
