In Italy, unknown assailants attacked protesters displaying Ukrainian symbols during Liberation Day
The celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Italy’s liberation from Nazism and Fascism on April 25 were marred by a series of incidents targeting participants carrying Ukrainian symbols. The attacks, which involved the use of force, riot gear, and even gunfire, drew a sharp response from authorities and diplomats.
This was reported by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Demonstrations intended to symbolize victory over tyranny were accompanied by displays of intolerance toward Ukrainian symbols in a number of cities.
In particular, in Rome, two participants were injured by shots fired from an air gun by unknown assailants.
In Bologna, representatives of the European Democratic Party were denied participation in the march due to the presence of a Ukrainian flag.
In Milan and other cities, pepper spray was used against activists, and verbal abuse was also reported.
In addition, under pressure from aggressive participants, the Jewish Brigade left the march—its representatives were escorted out under heavy police guard.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attacks and emphasized that such actions are unacceptable.
“Attacks on those carrying the Ukrainian flag” occurred during the demonstrations on April 25—a symbol of a people “fighting for their freedom against an aggressor,” she stated.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Italy also expressed outrage over the incidents.
“Violence against those who oppose the daily killing of innocent people, the deportation of children, and Russia’s attempts to destroy an independent state and its people is deeply shocking and completely incomprehensible. This must not happen again,” the diplomatic mission stated.
The European Democratic Party confirmed that their representative was denied participation in the march in Bologna solely because of the Ukrainian flag.
“This is not an isolated incident. Reportedly, Italian radicals were sprayed with pepper spray for the same reason, two demonstrators in Rome were wounded by shots from an air gun fired by unknown individuals, and the Jewish Brigade was excluded from the march,” the statement reads.
The party added that such incidents are a cause for serious concern and expressed solidarity with all those affected.
Earlier, in the Khortytskyi district of Zaporizhzhia, during the apprehension of suspected robbers, a law enforcement officer was forced to use his service firearm against a man who offered armed resistance.
Law enforcement agencies in Dnipro have opened two criminal cases regarding the attack on a judge that occurred late last week.
