Overview
- Italy summoned Russia’s ambassador to Rome on Tuesday after Kremlin-aligned host Vladimir Solovyov hurled insults at Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on state TV, a formal rebuke short of cutting ties.
- Russian Ambassador Aleksey Paramonov rejected the protest and said the remarks were a presenter’s personal views rather than Russia’s official position.
- Meloni called the outburst propaganda and said Italy will not shift from backing Ukraine, citing recent talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on expanding defense help, including drone production.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc intends to cut funding to the Venice Biennale after the exhibition decided to readmit Russian artists for its 2026 edition.
- The clash triggered rare unity at home as opposition leader Elly Schlein condemned the sexist slurs, even as the League, energy giant ENI, and the 5Star Movement weigh renewed Russian gas purchases under energy pressure.