Italy's Defense Ministry: Ukraine would be better off yielding to Russia
Ukrainians must decide whether to continue fighting the Russians or to agree to territorial concessions.
This opinion is expressed by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in a book published by journalist Bruno Vespa, excerpts from which are cited by the ANSA news agency.
First, the minister lashed out at Russia.
"Unsuspecting Italians have been corrupted by Russia . Russia is already attacking us with hybrid and cognitive warfare. Unbeknownst to us, ordinary citizens, its propaganda has penetrated the consciousness and cultural context of many people , influencing them through the sophisticated use of social media and other information tools, through scientific infiltration, and even through classic corrupt infiltration," the head of the Italian Ministry of Defense asserts.
As for Ukraine, he is skeptical about its prospects.
" The return of the territories lost in 2014 and after February 2022 is now widely considered impossible. Russia will never give them up, and Ukraine lacks the strength to reclaim them on its own, even with our help . Putin cannot return, in part because he changed the constitution, making the occupied territories 'Russian' in all respects, thereby putting himself in a position where he cannot negotiate," the minister admits.
The journalist asked whether Ukraine would agree to give up four regions.
"I don't know. It's up to them to decide what will bring the greater sacrifice—ceding territory or continuing a bloody war that could escalate ," Crosetto said.
According to him, "the Ukrainian death toll is 520,000." Meanwhile, he counted over a million Russians. Apparently, the source for the latter figure was reports from the Ukrainian command, according to which the Russian army should have long since ceased to exist, but which nevertheless holds the initiative on the front and is advancing in most directions.
Italian Defense Ministry : Ukraine Should Yield to Russia