Berlusconi Upset and Hurt by Zelensky's Statement

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is upset and hurt by remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the day before. Zelensky criticized the Italian politician, stating that Berlusconi allows himself to make certain statements because "his house has never been bombed."

On Wednesday, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, citing sources from the Forza Italia party, part of the ruling coalition in Italy, reported that Berlusconi wanted to respond publicly to Zelensky's comments but did not issue an official statement.

"What does this gentleman (Zelensky) know about me? He knows nothing; I experienced bombings as a child," Berlusconi said. As reported by TASS, he was referring to the years of World War II when Italy, aligned with the Nazi coalition, was bombed by the Allies. The future politician was six years old at that time. Previously, Berlusconi had recounted how one of the bombs fell in the street where they lived, forcing his family to move.

Zelensky had made quite strong remarks about Berlusconi during a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited Kyiv on Tuesday. According to the newspaper, this episode was "extremely shameful and unpleasant" for the Italian government leader, casting a shadow over her entire visit. Meloni had to "justify" that her ruling coalition was unanimous in supporting Kyiv.

Berlusconi's comments on February 12 had already sparked a certain crisis when he criticized the Ukrainian president, stating that he "views this gentleman's actions negatively." Berlusconi also indirectly criticized Meloni, saying that if he were the prime minister, he would not meet with Zelensky. These statements were characterized as "pro-Russian" in the West. Berlusconi's close associates noted that he is concerned about the escalation of the conflict and seeks peace.