Italy’s deputy premier slams France, Germany for backing use of western weapons to hit targets in Russia

By Giovanni Legorano

ROME (AA) - Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Wednesday sharply criticized France and Germany for supporting the idea of Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to attack military targets in Russia.

“Once again Macron and Scholz expect to decide in the name of all European citizens, claiming that the weapons sent to Ukraine to defend itself can be used to attack Russian territory, in a spiraling escalation which savvy leaders should avoid,” Salvini wrote on X.

“It’s CRAZY to act in such a reckless way, risking opening the doors to the tragedy of a global war,” he said. “The League [party] and the Italian government say NO.”

His comments came after Paris and Berlin said they stand with NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, who first floated the idea that Ukraine should be able to use Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

In an interview with Italian national TV on Sunday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her doubts about Stoltenberg’s proposal, while saying that NATO should go on supporting Ukraine firmly against Russia.