Italy Summons Russian Envoy Over Meloni Insults

Italy has summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome in response to remarks made by prominent pro-Kremlin television presenter Vladimir Solovyov, who insulted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a televised appearance.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the remarks as extremely serious and unacceptable, and said the government had responded with a formal protest.

Solovyov spoke partly in Italian and referred to Meloni in vulgar terms, accusing her in Russian of betraying both her voters and US President Donald Trump. The incident comes as Italy continues to support Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

Meloni's coalition includes political forces with historically closer ties to the Kremlin. Her relations with Trump have also cooled recently, particularly following her criticism of his foreign policy positions.

(reuters, pir)