The Russian MFA has published a list of "rusophobes", which includes representatives of 13 countries, including Italian top-level politicians. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it "an unacceptable provocation" and expressed solidarity with the president and ministers. Italy will call on the Russian ambassador to give a protest note.
The list of "rusophobes" announced by the Russian Ministry of abroad Affairs included representatives of 13 countries. From Italy, the list included the head of diplomacy and deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani and defence minister Guido Crosetto.
As an example of the supposedly rusophobic attitude, Moscow quoted the words of president Sergio Mattarelli. In February at the University of Marseille, he compared Russia in a speech to Nazi Germany in connection with the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.
Meloni condemns Russian provocation
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote in a message that Italy "with determination decided to stand by Ukraine in the face of violent aggression caused by Russia 3 years ago". The head of government assured further support for the Ukrainian people in his heroic defence.
Meloni expressed her opinion that the publication of the list by the Russian MFA was "another propaganda operation to divert attention from Moscow's serious responsibility". She added that this work was known and condemned by the global community from the beginning.
Solidarity with the president and Ministers
"I would like to express my solidarity with the president of the Republic of Sergio Mattarella, ministers Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto and all those who are the objectives of this unacceptable provocation" - said Prime Minister Meloni. The head of diplomacy Antonio Tajani recommended to call on the Russian Ambassador to the MFA to give him a protest note.
The Italian Ministry of abroad Affairs stated that placing the head of state and another representatives of the authorities on specified a list is "a provocation to the Republic and the Italian people". The abroad Ministry stressed that Minister Tajani expressed solidarity with president Mattarella, both on his own behalf and with the Ministry.
In Rome, the Russian ambassador Alexey Paramonov was not informed erstwhile he would go to the Ministry of abroad Affairs, where a protest note would be handed to him. Moscow had previously protested against the words of president Mattarelli and announced that "they would not stay without consequences".
(PAP/Rome) Note: This article was edited with Artificial Intelligence.
