Italy summoned the Russian ambassador over Melon's insults
Italy summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome to lodge an official protest over harsh and offensive remarks made by Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
This was reported by Politico.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he summoned Russian Ambassador Alexei Paramonov to condemn the “extremely serious and offensive remarks” made on Russian state television.
During a broadcast on April 16, Solovyov harshly criticized Meloni, calling her a “certified idiot” and “fascist trash.” After accusing her of betraying voters and U.S. President Donald Trump, he also used other crude language against her.
In response, the Russian diplomat rejected the Italian side’s claims, stating that Rome had “made a mistake” by summoning him over the TV host’s remarks. “No reasonable person would interpret personal remarks as an official position,” Paramonov emphasized.
The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the situation.
Giorgia Meloni herself called Solovyov’s statements propaganda. “A zealous propagandist for the regime cannot lecture on consistency or freedom,” she wrote, emphasizing that Italy “will not change course.”
Her position was supported by representatives of various political forces. Opposition leader Eli Shlein condemned the Russian host’s remarks as “unacceptable sexist accusations,” noting that such attacks insult the entire country.
The diplomatic incident arose amid broader tensions in relations between Russia and the European Union. In particular, it coincided with the decision to cut funding for the Venice Biennale after Russian artists were admitted to the 2026 program.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized that Russia should not be allowed to participate in international cultural events while it is waging war against Ukraine and destroying cultural heritage.
