RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

NATO boss criticizes Zelensky – media

Vladimir Zelensky’s harsh criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was unjustified, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said, as quoted by Western media outlets. He has reportedly asked the Ukrainian leader to cease his criticism of Scholz.

Last month, Zelensky blasted the German chancellor for having a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, complaining that the call undermined efforts to isolate Moscow diplomatically.

“I have often told Zelensky that he should stop criticizing Olaf Scholz, because I think it is unfair,” Rutte told dpa on Monday.

Zelensky had previously slammed Scholz for refusing to provide Kiev with German-made Taurus cruise missiles, suggesting that the chancellor would like to keep the weapons for Berlin’s own use in the event of a threat from Russia. Scholz explained the decision by saying he did not wish to escalate the Ukraine conflict and draw Germany into a direct confrontation with Russia.

Rutte reportedly added that he, unlike Scholz, would supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, and would not put any limits on the use of the weapons.

“In general, we know that such capabilities are very important for Ukraine,” Rutte said, emphasizing that it was not up to him to decide what weapons allies should deliver.

Moscow has consistently stated that Western aid cannot prevent Russian military forces from accomplishing the objectives of the military operation, nor alter the final outcome of the conflict. The Kremlin has argued that, by supporting Kiev, the Western allies are only prolonging the conflict.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Italy to prolong war supplies to Ukraine until the end of 2025

Italy's cabinet on Monday passed a law decree that allows it to continue supplying until the end of 2025 "means, materials and equipment" to Ukraine to support its war effort against Russia, a government statement said.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Italy has approved 10 packages of military aid for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's government, including two Franco-Italian air defence systems known as SAMP/T.

Meloni has been a supporter of Kyiv since taking office in late 2022 and has vowed to back Ukraine until the war ends, amid uncertainty over the future attitude of the United States once president-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.

On Tuesday, NATO chief Mark Rutte urged members of the military alliance to step up military aid for Ukraine to strengthen its position should Kyiv enter into peace negotiations with Russia.

Under Italy's presidency this year, the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies have repeatedly pledged support for Ukraine, condemned Russia's war of aggression and pledged a $50 billion loan for Kyiv backed by frozen Russian assets.

RT/Reuters