Headlines
Italy summons Russian ambassador over 'Russophobe' list naming president
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on July 30, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on July 30, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Italy protests Russia's 'Russophobe' list naming President Mattarella, highlighting deteriorating relations amid the Ukraine conflict.
ROME (Reuters) -The Italian government said on Wednesday that it would summon the Russian ambassador to protest against President Sergio Mattarella being included in a list compiled by Moscow of Western leaders accused of anti-Russian sentiment.
"Publishing a list of so-called 'Russophobes' who supposedly incite hatred against Russia is yet another propaganda operation," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.
On July 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of what it called "hate speech" against Russia by members of Western elites in which it included a statement from Mattarella at Aix-Marseille University last 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 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Italy has traditionally had close political and economic ties with Russia. However, after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the relationship deteriorated, and Rome has firmly stood by Kyiv.
According to Meloni, Moscow broke international law by invading Ukraine and Western countries have condemned Russia.
Mattarella is the only Italian in the list, which also includes 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.
(Reporting by Alessia Pe', additional reporting by Andrew Osborn in Moscow, editing by Giselda Vagnoni and Sharon Singleton)
A 'Russophobe' is a term used to describe someone who has a strong dislike or prejudice against Russia or its people, often associated with negative sentiments towards Russian policies.
International law consists of rules and principles that govern the relations and dealings of nations with each other, including treaties, customs, and agreements.
Foreign currency refers to the money used in a country other than one's own, which can be exchanged for local currency in international transactions.
A financial institution is an organization that provides financial services, such as banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and investment firms.
Explore more articles in the Headlines category
