The war in Ukraine has now been going on for 1253 days and tensions between Russia and the West are reaching new heights. The Russian Foreign Ministry has published a list of alleged "Russophobes" from Western countries. The list, which classifies statements as "hate speech" against Russia, includes high-ranking figures such as Italian President Sergio Mattarella, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. Italy's foreign and defense ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, are also listed.
In direct reaction to the listing of Mattarella and other officials, the Italian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador. Minister Tajani described the listing of the head of state as a "provocation against the Republic and the Italian people". Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also strongly condemned Moscow's action as an "unacceptable provocation" and "propaganda campaign" intended to divert attention from Russia's true responsibility. She reaffirmed Italy's non-partisan solidarity with those named and its continued support for Ukraine.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Moscow: A ceasefire must be reached in Ukraine within ten days, otherwise the US would impose sanctions. While the diplomatic dispute escalates, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue unabated, most recently with drone and missile strikes on cities such as Kiev, Sumy and Kharkiv.
