Italy’s Foreign Minister on Russia's 'examples of Russophobia' list: We won't be intimidated
Photo: Antonio Tajani (Getty Images)
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has responded to Russia’s accusations of Russophobia directed at President Sergio Mattarella, La Repubblica reports.
"I have never liked any kind of blacklists. It is unacceptable — an insult to the entire Italian people. And of course, we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by a list compiled by the Russian Foreign Ministry," Tajani stated.
He also emphasized that Italy has never declared itself to be at war with Russia.
"Our position is very clear, and we reject these accusations because they are unfounded," the Italian Foreign Minister added.
Background
In February, Italian President Sergio Mattarella compared Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to the actions of the Third Reich, referring to the emergence of despotic regimes that lead to "wars of aggression" and the dominance of force-based approaches.
Following that, Russia added Mattarella, along with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, to its so-called “Russophobia list,” which was published on a government website.
The list includes statements by politicians from Italy, EU countries, the United States, Canada, NATO, and others. In response, Italy’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome to provide an explanation.
