Today at 13:23
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned Russia’s inclusion of Italian President Sergio Mattarella in its so-called list of “Russophobes,” calling it a propaganda stunt designed to distract from Moscow’s responsibility for the war in Ukraine.
In a statement published on the official government website, Meloni said:
“The release of a so-called ‘Russophobe’ list by the Russian Foreign Ministry, accusing individuals of ‘inciting hatred’ toward Russia, is nothing more than another propaganda operation aimed at diverting attention from Moscow’s serious responsibility — one that is well known and condemned by the international community from the very beginning.”
Meloni reiterated that Italy stands firmly with Ukraine in the face of what she described as a “brutal war of aggression launched by Russia three years ago,” and continues to support the Ukrainian people in their “heroic resistance.”
“I want to express my solidarity with President Sergio Mattarella, Ministers Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, and all those targeted by this unacceptable provocation,” the Italian leader said.
Background:
As reported earlier, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Russian ambassador to Rome after the Kremlin included President Mattarella and other senior officials in its “Russophobe” blacklist.
