Ukraine: Russian envoy says concerned by use of Italy arms

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 25 - Russian Ambassador to Italy Sergey Razov said Friday Moscow was concerned about the use of Italian arms by Ukrainians resisting the Russian invasion of their country.
    "The thing that concerns us is that the Italian armaments will be used to kill Russian citizens," he said at Rome's central criminal court where he was filing complaints for instigation to commit crimes and apology of crimes over articles published by the daily La Stampa.
    "And I'd like to point out that the decision (to arm Ukraine) was taken when the first stage of negotiations had begun: the rifles are not only distributed among soldiers but also among citizens and we don't know when and how they will be used".
    Recalling that Russia sent aid to Italy during the toughest part of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Razov said "a helping hand was extended to the Italian people, and if someone bites that hand it is not honorable".
    Razov said "I've been working in Italy for eight years and I've worked with (premiers) Renzi, Conte, Letta and now Draghi.
    "We have done our utmost to build bridges, strengthen ties in the economy, culture and other fields. Regrettably, everything has now been overturned".
    Italy has supported Western sanctions against Russia and Premier Mario Draghi said this week it would up arms shipments to Kyiv.
    Razov urged Italian journalists "to follow both messages and not only those of the Kyiv side. Every day I read the Italian press and every day I see photos whose provenance is very doubtful".
    On the duration of the Ukraine-Russia war, Razov said "the sooner it ends the better.
    "Negotiations are ongoing with Ukraine and we hope for positive outcomes". (ANSA).