Giorgia Meloni insulted on television, Russian ambassador summoned to Rome.

The government announced on Tuesday the summons of the Russian ambassador after the “serious and insulting declarations” by Russian presenter Vladimir Soloviev against the Italian Prime Minister.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Tuesday the summoning of the Russian ambassador to Rome in protest following the “very serious and insulting” statements made by presenter Vladimir Soloviev on Russian television against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to Italian media, Soloviev referred to Mrs. Meloni, in Italian, as “shame of the human race”, “wild beast”, “certified idiot”, calling her “Giorgia the whore”, addressing the Prime Minister directly as “naughty little woman”.

“This Meloni is a fascist creature who has betrayed her voters, as she presented herself with completely different slogans”, continued the presenter in Russian. “Betrayal is her second name, she shamelessly betrayed Trump, to whom she had previously pledged loyalty,” he added. The entire Italian political class, both majority and opposition, strongly condemned these remarks. Relations between Rome and Moscow have been strained since the Russian attack on Ukraine, with Italy offering unwavering support to Kiev.

“In its monstrous nature, a zealous propagandist of the regime cannot provide directions or coherence or freedom. But certainly, these caricatures will not change our course,” reacted Mrs. Meloni later in the evening. “We have only one compass: the interest of Italy. And we will continue to follow it with pride, despite the propaganda from all sides,” concluded the Italian Prime Minister.