A new chapter in the diplomatic tension between Italy and Russia has emerged in recent hours, with a direct attack from Moscow against President Sergio Mattarella.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the Italian President of spreading “lies and falsehoods” regarding nuclear matters, sparking a series of reactions in Italy.
The issue came to light following statements by Mattarella in recent days, in which he referred to Italy’s potential involvement in international initiatives related to nuclear security, a subject that Moscow interpreted as a veiled attack on its policies. Specifically, Mattarella emphasized the importance of maintaining high attention on nuclear non-proliferation and global security, key issues in ongoing geopolitical discussions amid rising tensions between Russia and the West.
In response to the Italian President’s remarks, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian Ambassador to Moscow to express their disapproval. Maria Zakharova referred to Mattarella’s words as “lies” and “falsehoods,” accusing Italy of taking a position that did not reflect the reality of Russia’s nuclear policies and that could harm bilateral relations.
This attack from Moscow adds to an already sensitive context, with Italy-Russia relations being strained due to Italy’s stance on the war in Ukraine and its support for European sanctions against Russia. Zakharova’s response represents yet another escalation in an ongoing confrontation that has lasted for months, with Russia repeatedly accusing Western countries, particularly Italy, of exacerbating global conflict with their policies.
In the face of the strong accusations from Moscow, the Italian government reiterated its commitment to international security and nuclear non-proliferation principles. A spokesperson from Palazzo Chigi stated that Mattarella’s remarks had been misinterpreted and that Italy would continue to work for lasting peace and collective security, without compromising on truth and concrete facts.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with President Mattarella, stating that the Russian accusations were unfounded and would not weaken Italy’s commitment to promoting peace and international stability. The Italian government also stressed that Mattarella’s words reflected a position of dialogue and peaceful confrontation, rather than provocation.
This new phase of tension between Italy and Russia does not seem likely to resolve quickly. The continued exchange of accusations and the summoning of the Russian ambassador to Rome only serve to exacerbate an already fragile atmosphere in a geopolitical context where divergences between Moscow and Western nations are increasingly evident.
It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what response Russia will have to measures Italy may take in the future. What is clear, however, is that the Italian government is determined to maintain a firm stance, with the goal of defending its position without yielding to external pressures. In this scenario, the solidarity shown by Italy’s key political figures toward Mattarella signals a strong national unity in the face of foreign attacks.