Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlvise ArmelliniWednesday 22 April 2026 11:31 BSTRelated: Giorgia Meloni and Volodymyr Zelensky agree on joint drone production as Ukraine seeks more air defenceItaly summoned the Russian ambassador to express formal protests after pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyev made "extremely serious and offensive" remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.Solovyev, on Russian television, called Meloni a "certified idiot" and "fascist scum," accusing her of betraying her voters and Donald Trump.Rome's foreign minister Antonio Tajani announced the summoning on X, condemning the comments.Meloni's right-wing government has provided significant military and civilian aid to Ukraine, with Meloni saying that supporting Ukraine is a "moral duty" and "strategic necessity."The incident occurred amidst Meloni's recent distancing from Donald Trump, despite their previous close alliance, following her criticism of his comments on Pope Leo.In fullItaly summons Russian ambassador after TV host targets Giorgia Meloni on airThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in