Italy summons Russian envoy after President placed on Russophobe checklist

The Italian Government mentioned on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) that it might summon the Russian ambassador to protest towards President Sergio Mattarella being included in a listing compiled by Moscow of Western leaders accused of anti-Russian sentiment.

“Publishing a listing of so-called ‘Russophobes’ who supposedly incite hatred towards Russia is yet one more propaganda operation,” mentioned Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a press release.

On July 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry printed a listing of what it known as “hate speech” towards Russia by members of Western elites, by which it included a press release from Mr. Mattarella at Aix-Marseille University final February.

In his speech, the Italian President drew a parallel between Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the expansionist wars of Nazi Germany.

The Russian Foreign Ministry didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from Reuters.

Italy has historically had shut political and financial ties with Russia. However, after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the connection deteriorated, and Rome has firmly stood by Kyiv.

According to Ms. Meloni, Moscow broke worldwide legislation by invading Ukraine and Western nations have condemned Russia.

Mr. Mattarella is the one Italian on the checklist, which additionally contains German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, the Secretary-General of NATO Mark Rutte, and the President of France Emmanuel Macron.