Italy summons Russian envoy after President placed on ‘Russophobe’ listing

Italian President Sergio Mattarella. File
| Picture Credit score: X/@Quirinale
The Italian Authorities stated on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) that it will summon the Russian ambassador to protest towards President Sergio Mattarella being included in a listing compiled by Moscow of Western leaders accused of anti-Russian sentiment.
“Publishing a listing of so-called ‘Russophobes’ who supposedly incite hatred towards Russia is yet one more propaganda operation,” stated Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a press release.
On July 24, the Russian International Ministry revealed a listing of what it referred to as “hate speech” towards Russia by members of Western elites, by which it included a press release from Mr. Mattarella at Aix-Marseille College final February.
In his speech, the Italian President drew a parallel between Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the expansionist wars of Nazi Germany.
The Russian International Ministry didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from Reuters.
Italy has historically had shut political and financial ties with Russia. Nonetheless, after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the connection deteriorated, and Rome has firmly stood by Kyiv.
Based on Ms. Meloni, Moscow broke worldwide regulation by invading Ukraine and Western international locations have condemned Russia.
Mr. Mattarella is the one Italian on the listing, which additionally consists of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the European Union’s Excessive Consultant for International Affairs Kaja Kallas, the Secretary-Basic of NATO Mark Rutte, and the President of France Emmanuel Macron.
Revealed – July 30, 2025 09:41 pm IST