Ukraine can count on the support of Italy’s new government, far-right leader Giorgia Meloni said in a message to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“You know that you can count on our loyal support for the cause of freedom of Ukrainian people. Stay strong and keep your faith steadfast!” Meloni tweeted in English late Tuesday, Sep. 27.
She was responding to a message sent by Zelensky congratulating her on her Brothers of Italy party’s historic victory in general elections on Sunday.
“We appreciate Italy’s constant support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. We are counting on a productive partnership with the new Italian government,” he had tweeted in Italian.
Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has been one of the strongest backers of EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, despite his country’s reliance on Russian gas.
Rome has also sent weapons to help Kyiv fight off President Vladimir Putin’s forces.
Meloni is Eurosceptic but has backed Draghi’s line on Ukraine — even if her government allies, far-right League leader Matteo Salvini and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, have long had warm ties with Moscow.
Meloni, who is likely to become prime minister, also responded to congratulations sent by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
“Let’s defend together our common values and European security,” Meloni tweeted.
In response to congratulations from new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, she replied saying she was “ready to cooperate with you and your government for freedom, democracy, security and prosperity of our nations”.
