تصريحات إيطالية توتر العلاقات مع فرنسا

The French Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian Ambassador to Paris, Emanuela D'Alessandro, following statements made by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini regarding French President Emmanuel Macron.

French media reported today (Saturday) that a diplomatic official stated the summons took place on August 21 in the wake of unacceptable remarks made by Salvini about Macron.

The official added: The ambassador was reminded that these statements contradict the climate of trust and the historical relations between the two countries, as well as the recent bilateral developments that have shown a strong rapprochement between them, especially in the context of unconditional support for Ukraine.

In response to a request for comment last week on Macron's calls for the deployment of European soldiers in Ukraine after any agreement with Russia, Salvini used a phrase in the dialect of Milan that loosely translates to "get out of my face."

The Italian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure mocked the idea of sending Western soldiers to Ukraine, addressing Macron: "If you want to go there, put on your helmet, grab your rifle, and head to Ukraine."

Salvini is the leader of the right-wing League party and the Minister of Transport in the conservative national government led by Giorgia Meloni. He has repeatedly criticized Macron, especially regarding Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been at war with Russia, while former U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to mediate a resolution. While Kyiv emphasizes the need for security guarantees, some European countries are considering the idea of sending soldiers to Ukraine, while others rule it out.

Macron, a strong supporter of Ukraine against the Russian war, along with other world leaders, particularly British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is working to rally support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire announcement.