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Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi stated he’s exchanged letters and presents with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in accordance with audio obtained by an Italian newswire, underscoring how the nation’s new governing coalition might come underneath strain from inside to melt its help for Ukraine.
“Putin despatched me 20 bottles of vodka and a really candy letter for my birthday,” Berlusconi, 86, stated in an audio recording of remarks delivered at a gathering with lawmakers, which was posted on-line by Italian newswire LaPresse on Tuesday. It didn’t say when the recording was made, although Berlusconi’s birthday was Sept. 29.
Berlusconi’s phrases add to the considerations of right-wing chief, Giorgia Meloni, who’s negotiating cupboard posts with Berlusconi and different allies after her bloc’s victory in elections final month, faces inside strain to melt her stance on Russia.
In remarks broadcast on nationwide tv Tuesday, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Lorenzo Fontana stated sanctions towards Russia might “boomerang.” Fontana, who’s a member of the League occasion, one other key Meloni ally, is thought for his pro-Russia views. Meloni has stated she helps sending help and weapons to Ukraine.
Berlusconi, a former premier and chief of the Forza Italia occasion, stated he despatched again to Putin an “equally candy letter” and bottles of Lambrusco wine. Berlusconi additionally stated he’s “very, very, very involved” about statements by Russian ministers that “we’re at warfare with them as a result of we provide weapons and financing to Ukraine.”
Whereas Meloni hasn’t formally commented on Berlusconi’s phrases, in accordance with Corriere della Sera she complained that they’d make her life tougher.
A spokesman for Forza Italia denied Berlusconi had renewed contact with Putin, saying he was “telling lawmakers an previous story about an episode from a number of years in the past.” Within the audio Berlusconi refers to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Berlusconi’s occasion additionally launched an announcement saying Berlusconi’s place with respect to Ukraine is “identified by all, and is in line” with that of Europe and the U.S. That stance “has been reiterated in lots of, many public events. There isn’t any and there by no means has been any area for ambiguity.”
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