Paris has summoned the Italian ambassador to France, Emanuela D’Alessandro, following remarks by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini directed at French President Emmanuel Macron regarding France’s support for sending troops to Ukraine.
Salvini addressed Macron by saying: “Put on the helmet, the jacket, take the rifle and go to Ukraine,” in response to France’s proposal to deploy troops.
He also criticized Macron’s plans for a “European army, European rearmament, and joint European debts to purchase missiles,” according to reports by ANSA.
The incident has prompted French authorities to stress that Salvini’s comments run contrary to the climate of trust and the historic relations between France and Italy, as well as to the two countries’ shared commitment to unwavering support for Ukraine.
The decision to summon the ambassador also appears to be driven by Salvini’s repeated attacks on Macron, whom he often publicly labels as a “warmonger” and a “bomber.”
