In Europe, sharp disputes and political tensions around the issue of Ukraine have flared up once again. In particular, a serious diplomatic conflict has arisen between France and Italy over the initiative to send European troops to Ukraine.
According to AFP, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the “League” party, Matteo Salvini, strongly opposed the idea being discussed within the “coalition of the willing,” led by the United Kingdom and France, regarding the deployment of a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine.
“Let French President Emmanuel Macron put on a helmet, take a rifle in his hands, and go to Ukraine himself,” Salvini declared in his statement. His words sparked a strong reaction both in Italy and in France.
AFP, citing diplomatic sources, reported that following this remark, Italy’s ambassador to Paris, Emanuela D’Alessandro, was summoned to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. French diplomats said that Salvini’s words were “contrary to the atmosphere of trust and the historical relations between the two countries.”
It should be noted that this is not the first harsh criticism voiced by Salvini against Macron. Back in March of this year, he called the French president “crazy” and accused him of pushing Europe toward a large-scale confrontation with Russia.
Thus, the debate around the Ukrainian issue among European politicians is becoming increasingly heated. Observers believe that Salvini’s tough stance may have a significant impact on Italy’s position regarding the deployment of a military contingent to Ukraine.
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