Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov has once again launched a sharp verbal attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, intensifying an ongoing diplomatic controversy between Moscow and Rome.
In a message published on Telegram, Solovyov accused Meloni of aligning with fascist ideology, referring to her as a follower of Benito Mussolini. He further alleged that Italy’s support for Ukraine amounts to complicity in historical and contemporary crimes, echoing narratives widely associated with pro-Kremlin propaganda.
Solovyov also criticized Italy’s continued backing of Ukraine, describing the country as a “Nazi state” — a characterization consistently rejected by Western governments and international observers as disinformation.
The remarks prompted a response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who reaffirmed Italy’s position and expressed gratitude for its support.
“Russian propagandists will not change Italy’s stance,” Zelensky stated on X, thanking Meloni and the Italian people for their clear and steadfast support of Ukraine.
The latest comments come after Italian authorities, through the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, previously summoned Russia’s ambassador over similar statements, underscoring rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
