Vladimir Solovyov’s Insult to Meloni: Russian TV Star Sparks Diplomatic Row Vladimir Solovyov’s Insult to Meloni: Russian TV Star Sparks Diplomatic Row

Italy has summoned Russia’s ambassador to protest “extremely serious and offensive” remarks made by pro-Kremlin television host Vladimir Solovyov about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on April 21 that he had summoned Russian Ambassador Aleksey Paramonov to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally protest Solovyov’s statements. The remarks were made during a broadcast on Russian state television, where Solovyov reportedly called Meloni a “disgrace to the human race,” a “wild beast,” a “certified idiot,” and a “nasty little woman.” He also referred to her as a “fascist creature” who had “betrayed her voters” and “even betrayed Trump,” referencing tensions between Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump. Meloni, who once maintained a close relationship with Trump, has recently distanced herself from U.S. Policy on Iran and publicly criticized remarks he made about Pope Leo XIV. The insults came just days after her meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, during which she reaffirmed Italy’s support for Ukraine and announced cooperation in drone production. In response, Meloni dismissed the comments on social media, writing that “by its very nature, a diligent regime propagandist cannot give lessons in either consistency or freedom,” and adding that “these caricatures certainly won’t make us change course.” She emphasized that Italy’s compass remains “the interest of Italy” and that the country would continue to follow it “with pride, much to the chagrin of propagandists far and wide.” The incident drew rare unity across Italy’s political spectrum, with opposition parties joining in condemnation of Solovyov’s remarks. Solovyov, a prominent voice in Russian state media known for justifying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and praising Vladimir Putin, is under Western sanctions for his overt support of the war. Tajani expressed full solidarity with Meloni, stating that the “gravely offensive declarations” were unacceptable. The summoning of the ambassador underscores the ongoing diplomatic strain between Rome and Moscow, particularly due to Meloni’s firm stance in support of Kyiv amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.