Tensions between Italy and Russia are riding high. 

Italy has summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome after Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian television presenter, insulted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on air. 

According to Italian media, Solovyov said Meloni was, among other things, “a disgrace to the human race” and a “certified idiot”. 

He went on to call her “fascist scum who betrayed her electors.” 

Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking it’s uncertain whether this was sparked by Meloni’s shaky relationship with US President Donald Trump, her support for Ukraine, or if it was personal for Solovyov, who apparently has a few luxury villas on Lake Como that are now subject to EU sanctions.   

LISTEN ABOVE 

Tensions between Italy and Russia are riding high.&nbsp;
Italy has summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome after Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian television presenter, insulted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on air.&nbsp;
According to Italian media, Solovyov said Meloni was, among other things, “a disgrace to the human race” and a “certified idiot”.&nbsp;
He went on to call her “fascist scum who betrayed her electors.”&nbsp;
Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking it’s uncertain whether this was sparked by Meloni’s shaky relationship with US President Donald Trump, her support for Ukraine, or if it was personal for Solovyov, who apparently has a few luxury villas on Lake Como that are now subject to EU sanctions. &nbsp;&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

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Jo McKenna: Italy Correspondent on the attacks on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by a Russian TV presenter

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f6023c57-dd60-479f-8b38-b434016682c4/transcript