Italy’s ex-premier Berlusconi blames Ukraine war on Zelenskyy

Mr Berlusconi said the war in Ukraine “would have never happened” had Volodymyr Zelenskyy 'ceased attacking the two autonomous republics of Donbas'

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has again put himself at odds with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose coalition government his party supports, by openly criticising her for meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he blames for the year-old Russian invasion (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has blamed Ukraine’s president for Russia’s invasion, again putting him at odds with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s support for Kyiv.

Mr Berlusconi, whose Forza Italia party is part of Ms Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, is a long-time friend and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.