Italy has summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome following a series of derogatory remarks made by a Russian TV presenter about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as stated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday.
As reported by Italian media, presenter Vladimir Solovyov referred to Meloni in Italian on Russian TV as a “disgrace to the human race,” a “wild beast,” and a “certified idiot”.
Later, he switched to Russian and described Meloni as a “fascist creature who betrayed her electors,” further claiming that “she even betrayed US President Donald Trump.”
Tajani announced on X that he had summoned the Russian Ambassador, Alexey Paramonov, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally protest the extremely serious and offensive remarks made by TV host Vladimir Solovyov on Russian television against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Even opposition parties in Italy have denounced the comments made by the Russian presenter.
Later, Meloni expressed on X,” By its very nature, a diligent regime propagandist cannot give lessons in either consistency or freedom. But these caricatures certainly won’t make us change course. We, unlike others, have no strings, no masters, and take no orders. Our compass remains one and only: the interest of Italy. And we will continue to follow it with pride, much to the chagrin of propagandists far and wide.”
It is important to note that the relationship between Italy and Russia has been strained due to Meloni’s firm support of Ukraine, whereas her previously friendly ties with Trump have deteriorated following her defense of Pope Leo XIV against the verbal assaults from US President Trump.
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