Italy Condemns Moscow’s ‘Russophobes’ List as Provocation

Rome: Italy has responded strongly to Moscow’s recent publication of a list of alleged “Russophobes,” which includes several key Italian leaders. Premier Giorgia Meloni has criticized the list, and the Italian government has summoned the Russian ambassador to Rome following the inclusion of President Sergio Mattarella, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on the list.

According to Ansa News Agency, Premier Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. She described the list as a propaganda tactic by Moscow, aimed at distracting from its responsibilities in the conflict, which the international community has consistently condemned. Meloni expressed solidarity with the Italian figures named on the list, denouncing the move as an unacceptable provocation.

The Italian Foreign Ministry, under the direction of Minister Tajani, has ordered the summoning of the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Italy to formally protest the inclusion of Italian institutional figures on the list. Tajani emphasized that the listing of President Mattarella is seen as a direct provocation against Italy and its people, and he extended his personal and institutional support to the President and other officials affected.