MFA Ukraine recalls how Berlusconi kissed Gaddafi's hands

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considers the statements by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine unacceptable and reminds of the political and moral responsibility for encouraging Russia to pursue their crimes in Ukraine.

This is stated in a comment by the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleg Nikolenko on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

Nikolenko recalled that in 2010, the then-Prime Minister of Italy, Berlusconi, kissed the hands of the Libyan dictator during the official meeting with Muammar Gaddafi in Libya in the presence of TV cameras, to demonstrate his loyalty.

"Berlusconi's senseless accusations against the Ukrainian President are an attempt to kiss Putin's hands that are drenched in blood up to the elbow. This is an attempt to demonstrate his loyalty to the Russian dictator," said the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Nikolenko, the Italian politician should be aware that by spreading Russian propaganda, he encourages Russia to continue its crimes against Ukraine, and therefore bears political and moral responsibility.

"On the other hand, we highly appreciate the prompt reaction on the part of Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who confirmed the Italian government's unwavering support for Ukraine after Berlusconi's unacceptable statements," Nikolenko stressed.

As reported, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi criticized the incumbent PM, Giorgia Meloni, for meeting with the President of Ukraine in Brussels. Berlusconi also said that, had Volodymyr Zelensky stopped "attacking" Donbas, there would have been no war.

In response to Berlusconi's comment, Giorgia Meloni’s goverment stated that the country strongly and convincingly supports Ukraine.