PHOTO: Global Look Press/Mauro Scrobogna
Media reported on the Italian Prime Minister's reaction to the interview with the Russian cosplayers
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is "beside herself" after a conversation with Russian pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov (Vovan) and Alexei Stolyarov (Lexus), who introduced themselves as high-ranking African officials. The Affaritaliani portal reported on 2 November, citing sources close to Meloni.
The publication said the conversation between the Italian prime minister and Vovan and Lexus was "a sensational mistake that exposed Meloni to ridicule from the Russians on such a sensitive issue as the Ukraine crisis".
According to the portal, Meloni is furious with his advisers, specifically Francesco Tal. The service he headed did indeed take responsibility for the incident.
"Action is expected in the near future, and it is possible that Tal's head will come off his shoulders," the statement said.
Affaritaliani also noted that Meloni could lose international credibility because of the challenge. She risks damaging her relations with US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as both leaders advocate unconditional support for Kiev. Also, the stance expressed by Meloni about "fatigue" with the Ukrainian conflict may not please French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the publication points out.
The day before, Russian pranksters posted an interview with Meloni on the Internet. In his conversation with Kuznetsov and Stoyalyarov, the Italian prime minister admitted that many are tired of the Ukrainian conflict and soon everyone will understand that a way out of this situation is necessary.
She also told "African leaders" that Ukrainians have the right to glorify the nationalist Stepan Bandera.
On the same day, former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte criticised Meloni for the interview. The politician accused the prime minister of having expressed her assessment of the conflict in Ukraine to the cosplayers different from the one she presents to her fellow citizens.
(Izvestia/Roz)
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