“They want to make navigation difficult for me,” said the president of the ultra-conservative Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, in statements released on Wednesday by the Quotidiano Nazionale newspaper and other publications, alluding to pressure from other alliance forces.

According to the newspaper, she was referring to differences with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, leader of Forza Italia (FI), who a few hours ago made comments about his good relations with President Vladimir Putin, contrary to the public position of Meloni.

“Russian ministers have already said on several occasions that we are at war with them, because we provide weapons and financing to Ukraine. I personally cannot give my opinion because if this is told to the press it will result in a disaster, but I am very worried,” Berlusconi said.

An official FI note states that “President Silvio Berlusconi denies the news about an alleged resumption of relations with Vladimir Putin.”

The FdI deputy, Fabio Rampelli, was quick to clarify as party spokesman that Meloni as prime minister will continue to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and that “Italy is and will remain in the wake of the European Union and (NATO).”

This latest incident, in the opinion of observers, may affect the appointment of Antonio Tajani as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Head of Government, the second most important figure within FI, very close to Berlusconi.

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