MOSCOW, September 29. /TASS/. Today’s shortsighted European leaders - unlike former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday today - are doing everything to drag their countries into the largest conflict since 1945: a war with Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, said on his English language Telegram channel.

"He was probably no angel. But he wanted the best for his Italy and understood Russia's place in the world. With his passing, the era of strong European politicians came to an end. In their place came shortsighted, spiteful Russophobes who are doing everything they can to drag Europe into war with Russia. And the chances of plunging the world into a new conflict are the highest since 1945," Medvedev said.