EU Talks of War While US, Russia Discuss Peace, Says Salvini

Brussels: Deputy Premier, Transport Minister, and League leader Matteo Salvini on Wednesday reiterated his criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s ReArm Europe plan. He compared it unfavorably with the recent call by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

According to Ansa News Agency, Salvini emphasized that Premier Giorgia Meloni had a mandate to “defend the Italian national interest,” which von der Leyen’s plan did not align with. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Salvini questioned the wisdom of spending money on war when the US and Russia were discussing peace. He remarked that some European leaders seem disconnected from reality, humorously suggesting they might have reached Mars with Elon Musk.

Salvini asserted that the European Union was established to ensure peace, not to incite new conflicts. He highlighted Italy’s concerns about its southern border, illegal immigration, and urban insecurity, rather than fearing an invasion from Russia. Salvini questioned on whose behalf von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas were speaking, suggesting that some European officials might be undermining the peace process initiated by Trump, which he supports.

He argued that Russia is not a global threat, but illegal immigration remains a significant issue for Italians due to the European Union’s inaction. Salvini expressed his opposition to Kallas’s stance, stating he would not want his son to be sent to Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of halting the ongoing violence on both the Ukrainian and Russian fronts, advocating for a cessation of hostilities rather than perpetuating the conflict.