Hundreds of pro-Russian posters opposing support for Ukraine appear across Italy
Photo: Hundreds of pro-Russian posters were hung in Italy (Getty Images)
This summer, hundreds of pro-Russian posters were put up in Italy. They urged stopping support for Ukraine, reports CNN.
In several cities in Italy, posters have appeared depicting a handshake between the Italian and Russian flags. The posters feature messages reading "Russia is not our enemy" and "Enough money for weapons for Ukraine and Israel. We want peace. We reject war."
cnn.com
The posters first appeared in northern Italy in June and were later spotted in Verona, Modena, Parma, Pisa, and several cities in southern Calabria.
The group Sovranita Popolare claimed responsibility for the posters. They were funded by organizations established in protest against Italy's COVID-19 lockdown.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Rome expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and called for a review of the permit for such posters.
"We are deeply concerned by the arrogance of Russian propaganda in the Eternal City," the diplomats wrote on social media.
CNN notes that the response to the billboards varied across cities. In some places, local authorities removed them, while in others, they remained up until the end of the rental period.
In Rome, the city council expressed displeasure with the posters because they featured the city name and official symbol. The local police and the advertising company owning the billboards were instructed to remove the posters.
Russian disinformation
Earlier, the Main Intelligence Directorate reported that the occupiers were preparing information operations against Ukraine. Specifically, the propaganda was intended to spread in EU countries that support Ukraine.
Ukrainians were also warned about Russian disinformation regarding the upcoming heating season. Russian propaganda plans an informational campaign called "Black Winter."
