(ANSA) - ROME, 14 OTT - Deputy Premier, Transport Minister and right-wing League party leader Matteo Salvini said Wednesday Italy and Europe had given "a lot" to help Ukraine fend off Russian aggression and they could not support Kyiv indefinitely.
"We have given a lot. Italians, the French, and Europeans have given a great deal, hoping that the aid—intended for the defence of the Ukrainian people—was actually used for that purpose rather than ending up in corruption or kickbacks.
"We certainly cannot go on indefinitely gifting billions to Ukraine, and I expect the war to end well before the timeframe Marine Le Pen is discussing.
"We believe a great deal has been given to Ukraine; now is the time for diplomacy." Salvini was speaking during a press briefing at the European Parliament ahead of the right-wing Patriots' meeting, held in preparation for this week's European Council.
Salvini added on United States President Donald Trump's decision to open the door to purchasing gas from Moscow, that "once the war ends, we need to buy where it costs less. "I believe that once the war is over, we have a duty to go back to buying gas and oil where the cost is lowest.
There are EU countries—such as France, Spain, and Belgium—that are already doing this and benefiting from it; before saying 'no,' I think we should look around." (ANSA).
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