He defines the relationship with Giorgia Meloni as “excellent” and says he is grateful to Italy, admits the difficulties with the United States and issues a warning: “Russia has long been waging a hybrid war against Europe, including Italy, France, Great Britain and Germany”. This is what Ukrainian President Zelensky says in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
“Excellent relationship with Giorgia Meloni”
“I have an excellent relationship with Giorgia Meloni and I respect her a lot – says Zelensky -. I am grateful to the Italian people and to all those who support Ukraine. But our gratitude is not just in words. We are already sharing our experience. She receives feedback from us on which weapons produced in Italy and Europe work and which don’t, and on what we have improved technologically. We share all this with the Italian producers”.
The Kiev leader refers to “joint production plants in Italy and Ukraine, these are Ukrainian-Italian companies. We have a very good relationship with Leonardo. We are grateful to them. And they receive a lot from us. I am very happy that we support each other in this way and that the level of technological competence of Italians is increasing. Italians work in enterprises and factories that are opening in Italy. I think this is also very important. It means not only jobs, but also assistance for Ukraine and Italy”.
The hybrid war also against Italy
In his words also a warning about that “hybrid war” that we have come to know. “There is a lot of Russian propaganda in Europe – he explains -. They invested as much money in it as in weapons during this war. It is a huge financial program that extends over decades. Russia has long been waging a hybrid war against Europe, including Italy, France, Great Britain and Germany.”
“People – he continues – should not be transfixed and indoctrinated by waves of narratives coming from the Russian Federation. Because it is up to France, Ukraine, Italy and Spain to decide how to live and who to elect. Russia cannot influence Italy’s choices and freedom. Italy is a free country, just like Ukraine. The Russians will try to exploit far-right movements, religious movements, faith, migration and gender. Russia does not care what issue may divide the society: from religion to language, Russia will always find that loophole and strike there. We are seeing now not only in Europe – they also have influence in the United States of America. There is a very significant wave building there, and their network is operational.”
The bitter breakup with Trump
Zelensky does not hide his bitterness for Washington’s recent decisions, while reiterating his gratitude towards the American people. “The limitations on intelligence sharing and the reduction of Starlink’s speed are no longer simple threats, but a reality – he explains – It is unfair towards us. We remain grateful to the American people and Trump’s team. But there must be honesty between partners”. Speaking about the diesel pact made between Trump and Putin, the Ukrainian leader says he is open to dialogue: “Yesterday we spoke with Trump’s negotiating group. I said we are ready: if they want to discuss negotiations and a peace agreement with Putin, we are always open”. And, regarding the hypothesis of a summit between the United States, Russia and China without the presence of Kiev, he cuts it short: “If we talk about Ukraine, we would like Ukraine to be consulted. I won’t comment on the rest.”