The far-right Italian League party is negotiating with the Russian embassy in Italy to leave the coalition and break it up.
In Italy, a political crisis due to the collapse of the government and early parliamentary elections. The government collapsed amid discussions over arms supplies to Ukraine. Early elections to the Italian parliament after its dissolution will be held on September 25. But now it appears that the government has collapsed for a reason.
Negotiations with the Russian embassy
The Italian newspaper La Stampa on Wednesday published an article according to which Antonio Capuano, adviser to the head of the League party on foreign relations, met on May 27 and 28 with an employee of the Russian Embassy in Italy, Oleg Kostyukov.
Referring to the data of the Italian intelligence services, the publication claims that Capuano discussed with Kostyukov the possibility of the collapse of the government coalition, which includes the League. This happened when the League, as well as the 5 Star Movement, opposed providing military aid to Ukraine.
Moreover, La Stampa claims that the aforementioned Kostyukov is responsible for the failed trip of League leader Matteo Salvini to Moscow, where he was supposed to negotiate peace. In particular, an employee of the Russian embassy bought plane tickets for the Italian politician.
On Thursday, Salvini commented on the material, in fact confirming that negotiations between his adviser and an employee of the Russian embassy really took place.
“International politics is independent of governments, we are proud allies of free democratic countries of the West. This does not mean not wanting to have good relations with Putin … Of course, unlike other countries like of war in Europe, I prefer Italy, leading dialogue and mediation,” said Salvini. .
Later, the head of the League generally spoke of “rejection of institutions” and “fake news”, commenting on the suggestion that the crisis of the Italian government may have been caused by Russia.
Reaction
All political forces in Italy are demanding an explanation of what exactly Salvini’s adviser discussed at the Russian embassy. So, the leader of the Brothers of Italy, now the most popular party in the polls, Giorgia Meloni, said that she was “not embarrassed” by the investigation. “Italy is on the side of the West. We are on the side of our allies… The most” if “don’t talk about serious things. The requirement to check the information is justified,” she said.
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who left the 5 Star Movement due to a split in support for Ukraine, said Salvini should explain his relationship with Russia, “and special attention should be paid to Russian influence in the election campaign.”
Source: korrespondent
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