The Russian foreign ministry on Thursday summoned Italy’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow, Giovanni Scopa, to protest against what it called an “anti-Russian campaign” in the Italian media.
The protest also concerned what Moscow described as the Italian government’s “disproportionate reaction” to a Russian foreign ministry list of public figures accused of making “hate speech” statements against Russia. The list includes President Sergio Mattarella, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
Last week, the Italian government summoned Russia’s ambassador to Rome over the list, with Premier Giorgia Meloni issuing a sharp condemnation.
“Italy has firmly chosen to stand by Ukraine in the face of the brutal war of aggression unleashed by Russia, three years ago now, and continues to pledge its support to the Ukrainian people in their heroic resistance,” Meloni said in a statement.
“The Foreign Ministry’s publication of a list of alleged ‘Russophobes,’ accused of ‘inciting hatred’ against Russia, is nothing more than yet another propaganda operation, aimed at diverting attention from Moscow’s serious responsibilities, which are well known to the international community and which the international community has condemned from the beginning.
“I would like, therefore, to express my solidarity to President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, Ministers Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto and all those who were the recipients of this unacceptable provocation.”
Mattarella has drawn particular criticism from Moscow after he compared Russia to the Nazi Third Reich during a February speech at the University of Marseilles, citing its invasion of Ukraine.
Tensions between Rome and Moscow remain high. They were further underscored by Russia’s recent opposition to a mooted meeting in Rome between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
