On the Kloсhok Time channel, political analyst Ihor Chalenko discussed the latest Russian provocation targeting Italy over its support for Ukraine. Chalenko emphasized that the government of Giorgia Meloni remains consistently pro-Ukrainian, despite recurring criticism from Russian diplomats.
The trigger was a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova after the partial collapse of the historic Torre dei Conti in Rome. Zakharova claimed Italy's substantial spending on aid for Ukraine threatens its own stability. In response, the Italian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador, and Minister Antonio Tajani branded Zakharova's words as vulgar, stressing that Italy helps the weak as part of its national values.
Meanwhile, the Russian information sphere continues to target Italian audiences via media and social networks. Italy has implemented sanctions, freezing Russian assets worth billions of euros, including property belonging to prominent Russian propagandists. However, a segment of Italian society remains supportive of lifting sanctions due to economic challenges and historical ties with Russia.
Chalenko noted that it is crucial to convince Italian society that supporting Ukraine means safeguarding European security and that such incidents highlight the flaws in Russian propaganda tactics.
