Italy Calls Out Russia: Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Russophobe Designations

Italy summoned the Russian ambassador on Wednesday following Moscow’s decision to place Italian President Sergio Mattarella on a list of Western officials accused of employing “hateful” and “Russophobic” rhetoric.

The Italian Foreign Ministry condemned this action as “a provocation against the republic and the Italian people,” amidst escalating tensions between the two nations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry released instances of what it termed “hate speech” directed at Russia and “Russophobic” remarks made by foreign politicians and public figures.

President Mattarella, who serves in a mostly ceremonial capacity, was reportedly included on the list for likening Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the aggression of Nazi Germany during World War II.

The list also mentioned other European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Recent days have seen further deterioration in relations between Russia and Italy, particularly after concert organizers near Naples canceled a performance by conductor Valery Gergiev due to his connections with the Kremlin.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly supported Ukraine, and earlier this month, Italy hosted a significant conference focused on the country’s recovery.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Italy has welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

AFP contributed to this report.