Relations With Ukraine Deteriorate On Sanctions Suspicions

Earlier today, Italian PM Mario Draghi speaking to the Italian Parliament stated that “President Zelensky told us that he is hiding somewhere and that Ukraine has no more time. He was supposed to attend a phone call at 9.30am but he couldn’t make it”

• This comment elicited an angry response from the Ukrainian president, who tweeted: "Today at 10:30 am at the entrances to Chernihiv, Hostomel and Melitopol there were heavy fighting. People died. Next time I'll try to move the war schedule to talk to Mario Draghi at a specific time. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to fight for its people."
• Italy, alongside Germany, Hungary, and Cyprus, has come in for criticism for allegedly being at the forefront of efforts to block the harshest of sanctions against Russia. Italy is heavily reliant on Russian gas for its energy supplies. Meanwhile the NYT reported "...Italy was pushing to leave the luxury goods industry untouched so that it could continue exporting fashion and other high-end products to Russia."
• While the West wants to present a united front, significant disagreements risk coming into the open in the days and weeks ahead as EU and NATO leaders consider the next steps in attempting to turn the tide in Ukraine.