Italy strongly condemned Russia’s decision to include President Sergio Mattarella on a list of Western leaders accused of “Russophobia.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the move a propaganda operation and reaffirmed Italy’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.

Key points from Meloni’s statement:

• Italy views the list as an attempt to incite division and discredit Western unity
• President Mattarella’s past remarks comparing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Nazi expansionism were cited by Moscow
• Italy summoned the Russian ambassador to formally protest the inclusion
• Meloni emphasized that Italy remains committed to defending international law and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty

This statement aligns with Italy’s broader foreign policy stance since 2022, firmly backing Kyiv and opposing Russian military actions.