Italian officials summoned the Russian ambassador in response to Moscow’s allegations of ‘russophobia’ and ‘hate speech,’ following a statement by Russian officials that called out Italian President Sergio Mattarella for comparing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Nazi Germany’s actions in World War II. The move highlights the growing rift between Italy and Russia over how the conflict is being interpreted. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in a recent speech, had equated the Russian invasion of Ukraine to Nazi Germany’s aggression during World War II, a comparison that Russian officials deemed offensive. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Italy defending its stance as a necessary critique of Russia’s actions.
Italy, a key NATO ally and member of the European Union, has long been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The recent remarks by Mattarella have intensified the pressure on Italian officials to maintain a firm stance against Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, Russia has accused multiple Western leaders of engaging in ‘russophobia,’ a term used to describe hostility towards Russian people and culture. Italy’s decision to summon its Russian ambassador signals a stronger commitment to its position on the Ukraine conflict. The diplomatic incident reflects the broader diplomatic tensions between Italy and Russia, as both sides continue to take strong positions on the issue.