Russia’s Ambassador Critiques Italian Government

Alexei Paramonov, Russia’s representative to Italy, criticized the Italian government on Wednesday, accusing it of attributing global issues to Russia, despite, as he claims, evidence to the contrary.

During a reception for Russia Day at his residence in Rome on June 12, reports explain, Paramonov delivered a pointed address that took aim at both the Italian government and the European Union.

While he didn’t name specific officials, he referred to the Quirinale Palace and President Sergio Mattarella, asserting that Italy consistently views Russia as the primary instigator of conflicts across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—a notion he described as a “blatant lie.”

“I think here in Italy, there are voices from certain levels in Rome blaming Russia for all of today’s problems across various regions. I can assert with absolute certainty that these claims are false,” Paramonov expressed during his remarks. “The facts prove just the opposite.”

According to Italian news source Rai News, the reception was attended by hundreds, although many officials boycotted the event to protest against Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.

Paramonov also criticized EU leadership for lacking independence, suggesting they have become merely “vassals” to more powerful nations and are acting against their own people’s interests.

The ambassador accused NATO of, in his view, unjustifiably extending its reach into Eastern Europe and the former Soviet space, claiming this expansion poses a legitimate threat that forces Moscow to act to safeguard its own interests.

He urged Western leaders contemplating further operations to the east to shift their approach, drawing parallels to Germany’s 19th-century ambitions. He dismissed efforts to isolate Russia as ineffective, characterizing his country’s role in international forums like the UN and G20 as central to the development of a new multipolar world.

Paramonov stated that despite his strong criticisms, Russia remains “open to dialogue and cooperation” with Italy and Western nations, contingent upon these nations renouncing their adversarial stances.

Past remarks by President Mattarella about Russia related to the invasion of Ukraine have sparked ire from the Russian side. Last year, Mattarella, during a lecture in Marseille, likened Russia to the “Third Reich,” which led to condemnation from Moscow for what they termed as “blasphemous” comments.

The ambassador also recently faced diplomatic tension in Italy following derogatory remarks made by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Mattarella. The Italian government summoned Paramonov in response to these insults, which he claimed did not reflect the official stance of the Russian government.