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Italian Deputy Prime Minister’s Warm Embrace of Russian Ambassador Raises Eyebrows Amid Italy’s Support for Ukraine
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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Italian politician, Minister of the Interior of Italy and Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Matteo Salvini’s warm embrace of Russian Ambassador Alexey Paramonov at a recent event in Rome has raised eyebrows, especially given Italy’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, La Stampa reported on September 18.
The gesture, made at a Chinese reception marking the anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, stands out due to Italy’s ongoing support for Ukraine, both politically and militarily.
Salvini’s actions have drawn attention amid escalating tensions with Russia. The Russian ambassador had recently criticized Italy, accusing it of “Russophobia” and “Ukrainophilia,” terms Moscow uses to describe the Italian government’s support for Ukraine, La Stampa reported.
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Despite this, Salvini, as part of the ruling coalition, remains an outlier in Italy’s firm stance against Russia’s aggression.
The timing is significant, given NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine and Italy’s role in it. Salvini’s friendly exchange with Paramonov seems at odds with Italy’s broader alignment with NATO allies, according to La Stampa.
While Salvini maintains a pro-peace rhetoric, his actions suggest a more Russia-friendly approach, fueling internal political debates about Italy’s foreign policy.
La Stampa stated that this diplomatic moment underscores Salvini’s long-standing affinity for more conciliatory relations with Moscow, placing him at odds with other Italian leaders.
While Salvini has argued for peace and a reduction in military commitments, his actions raise questions about Italy’s direction in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, La Stampa writes.
Previously, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was advancing a postwar security concept under which countries that have signed bilateral agreements with Kyiv would be required to confer and decide within 24 hours how to aid Ukraine if Russia restarts hostilities.
