Russian State Media Insults Italian Leader, Sparks Diplomatic Row

(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – A Kremlin aligned broadcaster has triggered a diplomatic dispute between Russia and Italy after making offensive remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, followed by a controversial response from Russia’s foreign ministry.

The incident began on 23 April 2026 when Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov criticised Meloni during a televised broadcast, using highly offensive language. He described her as a “fascist creature who betrayed her voters” and accused her of disloyalty to United States President Donald Trump.

Italy responded by summoning the Russian ambassador to its foreign ministry for an explanation. Meloni publicly condemned the remarks, calling them unacceptable. Her response followed earlier criticism of comments made by Trump regarding the Pope, in which she stated that it was appropriate for the head of the Catholic Church to call for peace and condemn war.

Solovyov’s remarks included a series of personal insults. He referred to Meloni as a “disgrace to the human race”, a “certified idiot”, and “a nasty little woman”. He also claimed that her political positions represented a betrayal of earlier commitments.

Meloni dismissed the comments as propaganda, stating that “a diligent propagandist of the regime cannot give lessons in coherence or freedom”. She added that Italy would not change its political course. Her position received support across the Italian political spectrum, with opposition figures condemning the remarks as offensive and unacceptable.

In her public statement, Meloni emphasised that Italy acts independently, saying the country takes no orders and follows only its national interests. She reaffirmed that such criticism would not influence government policy.

The Russian foreign ministry, through spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, responded by reframing the dispute. Zakharova suggested that those criticised should “look in the mirror” and accused European countries, including Italy, of supporting actions against Russia.

She claimed that European governments were involved in anti Russian activity and argued that civilians and children were suffering as a result. Zakharova also stated that Russia had not engaged in personal attacks through official diplomatic channels, despite widespread examples of similar rhetoric in Russian political discourse.

The response included criticism of European media and governments, accusing them of spreading anti Russian sentiment. Zakharova argued that Western narratives had influenced public opinion and justified Russia’s position.