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italy Expresses Solidarity Following Russian “Black List” Targeting Officials

Rome, February 5 (ANSA) – Italy has voiced strong solidarity with its President, Sergio Mattarella, and two of its ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, after thay were included in a Russian “black list” of individuals whose statements have been deemed unacceptable by Moscow.

The inclusion of Foreign Minister Tajani is attributed to his comparison of “Ukrainian fighters” to “partisans and soldiers of the liberation army in 1945,” stating they are “fighting for freedom.” Defense Minister Crosetto was targeted for his assertion that Russian President Putin “has in mind an international order in which whoever is stronger takes other countries.”

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the list as “nothing more than yet another propaganda operation, aimed at diverting attention from the serious responsibilities of Moscow, well known to the international community and that the international community has condemned from the beginning.” She added, “For this reason, I wish to address my solidarity to the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, to the Ministers Antonio Tajani and guido Crosetto.”

Tajani, in his dual capacity as Foreign Minister and a recipient of the “Niet” designation, also expressed solidarity with President Mattarella, calling the Russian action “a provocation to the republic and the Italian people.” This is not the first instance of criticism directed at Mattarella from the Russian government regarding his remarks made in Marseille. In mid-February, Russian foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized his statements as “blasphemous inventions.”

Approximately one month later, Zakharova again accused Mattarella of “lies and falsehoods,” this time referencing an intervention the Italian head of state made in Hiroshima.During that address, Mattarella stated, “The Russian Federation – in particular promoted a renewed and dangerous nuclear narrative.” Another speech by Mattarella, delivered in 2024 on the anniversary of the battle of Monte Cassino, also appears on the list of “indigestible phrases.” In that address, he spoke of support for Ukraine and a “renewed commitment against dictatorships.”

The publication of this “black list” has unified political forces in Italy,with widespread declarations of support for the head of state. The only prominent figure not to issue a personal statement was Matteo Salvini,the secretary of the league. However, his party has conveyed expressions of solidarity to the Quirinale, including a statement from Senate group leader Massimiliano Romeo. Opposition parties have also been unanimous in their condemnation. Giuseppe Conte,president of the Five Star Movement (M5S),described the lists as “proscription lists worthy of the worst authoritarian and anti-democratic tradition.” Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, deemed the situation “unacceptable, serious, and unlikely.”

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