The Russian foreign ministry has summoned Italy’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow, Giovanni Scopa, to protest what it calls an “anti-Russian campaign” in Italian media. This action also serves as a response to Italy’s reaction to a Russian list of figures who allegedly made “hate speech” statements against Russia. The list included prominent Italian officials, such as President Sergio Mattarella, Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned Russia’s list, calling it a “propaganda operation” designed to distract from Moscow’s responsibilities in the war against Ukraine. Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s steadfast support for Ukraine and expressed solidarity with the Italian leaders targeted by the list.
President Mattarella has been particularly criticized by Moscow for a speech in which he reportedly compared Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the actions of the Nazi Third Reich. The diplomatic tension highlights the ongoing rift between Russia and Italy over the conflict in Ukraine.