Italy has formally summoned Russia's ambassador in Rome after a Russian television presenter launched a series of insults targeting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting a diplomatic protest and condemnation across Italy's political spectrum.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the move followed remarks broadcast on Russian television by presenter Vladimir Solovyov. According to Italian media reports, Solovyov described Meloni in Italian as ?a disgrace to the human race?, a ?wild beast?, a ?certified idiot? and a ?nasty little woman?. He then switched to Russian, adding that ?this Meloni is a fascist creature who betrayed her electors? and claimed she had also ?betrayed (US President Donald) Trump?.
Tajani confirmed on social media that the Russian ambassador Alexey Paramonov had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry in response. He said this was done to formally protest what he called ?extremely serious and offensive remarks? directed at the Italian prime minister.
The episode immediately drew reactions from across Italy's political landscape. Opposition leader Giuseppe Conte described the statements as ?unspeakable?, while Mariastella Gelmini of the Us Moderates said the comments were unacceptable. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein also condemned the language, arguing that insults against Italian institutions amount to an attack on the country as a whole.
Barbara Floridia, head of the RAI supervisory commission, said personal attacks cannot be considered political criticism and stressed that Italy would not be intimidated by what she described as Russian propaganda.
The diplomatic row comes against a backdrop of already strained relations between Rome and Moscow, largely driven by Meloni's strong political and military support for Ukraine during Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion. The tension has been further amplified by broader geopolitical disagreements involving Italy's role within Western alliances.
Meloni herself responded publicly on social media, stating that ?these caricatures certainly won?t make us change course?, and reaffirming that her government's decisions will continue to be guided by what she called the national interest. She added that Italy would proceed ?with pride? despite external criticism.
