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".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
