Italy summons Russian envoy over insults targeting PM Giorgia Meloni

Italy has called in Russia’s ambassador to formally protest remarks made about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by a pro-Kremlin television presenter. The move was confirmed on Tuesday by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Tajani stated that the ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to convey Italy’s strong objection to what he described as highly offensive and unacceptable comments made by Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov.

Tajani Taxing on X said “I had the Russian ambassador Paramonov summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express formal protests following the extremely serious and offensive statements made by the host Vladimir Solovyev on Russian television against the Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni, to whom I extend all my solidarity and closeness.”

During a brief broadcast segment, Solovyov harshly criticised Meloni, accusing her of betraying her electorate and abandoning her earlier political positions. He also claimed she had turned against former US President Donald Trump, despite previously showing support.

Meloni currently heads a right-leaning coalition government that has backed Ukraine with both military and humanitarian assistance following Russia’s invasion. However, her alliance includes the League party, which has previously maintained closer relations with Moscow.