Russian President Vladimir Putin is presiding over a video conference on agricultural development at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence on the outskirts of Moscow on the 5th (local time), amid Russia's ongoing invasion war in Ukraine. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Considering that the two maintained a close friendship for 20 years and even spent vacations together, this criticism is seen as unusual.
On the 9th (local time), according to major foreign media, Berlusconi, during a speech at the convention of his center-right party Forza Italia (FI), said, "I cannot hide, nor do I want to hide, my deep disappointment in President Putin's actions."
This is the first time Berlusconi has made remarks about Russia's invasion of Ukraine in an official setting. Especially, his public criticism of President Putin, with whom he boasted a personal friendship, is considered unexpected.
The two first met at the G8 summit held in Genoa, Italy, in 2001, and have maintained a close relationship, spending time together at their respective villas in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and Sardegna Island, Italy. In 2015, Berlusconi praised Putin as the top world leader and even said he was like a brother to him.
In his speech that day, Berlusconi emphasized that "President Putin, whom I have known for 20 years, always appeared to me as someone who follows democracy and peace," and stressed that he must take full responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine.
He pointed out, "Russia cannot deny responsibility for the horrors of civilian massacres and actual war crimes that occurred in Bucha and other places."
He also added, "The invasion of Ukraine has thrown Russia into China's arms instead of bringing it closer to Europe," calling it "a regrettable matter."
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