Italy Calls The Russian Ambassador Because The President Is On The Russophobia List

UNSPLASH/Michele Bitetto ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Italian government will summon the Russian ambassador to protest the inclusion of President Sergio Mattarella on a list compiled by Moscow containing Western leaders accused of having anti-Russian sentiment.

"Publishing a list of people called 'Russophobia' who are suspected of triggering hatred against Russia is another propaganda operation," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

On July 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of what it called "hate speech" against Russia by members of the West elite, including Mattarella's statement at Aix-Marseille University last February.

In his speech, the Italian president compared Russia's massive invasion of Ukraine in 2022 with the Nazi German expansionist war.

Italy has traditionally had close political and economic ties to Russia. However, after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the relationship deteriorated, and Roma remained steadfast in supporting Kyiv.

According to Meloni, Moscow violated international law by invading Ukraine, and Western countries have criticized Russia.

Mattarella is the only Italian on the list, which also includes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and French President Emmanuel Macron.