The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned Italian Ambassador Cecelia Piccioni following a report by Italian state broadcaster RAI from Sudzha, Kursk region. The Russian side has issued a "strong protest" against the diplomat, according to the ministry.
The Russian Foreign Ministry claims that Italian journalists "illegally" entered Russian territory, "grossly violating Russian laws and journalistic ethics." The statement emphasizes that RAI correspondents used their stay in Russia to "whitewash propaganda support for the crimes of the Kyiv regime."
The ministry also warned that Russian "competent authorities" will investigate the "crime committed by RAI staff" and take necessary measures.
The controversy arose from the RAI report filmed in Sudzha, which included footage of the city entered from Ukrainian territory with Ukrainian soldiers. In the report, journalist Stefania Battistini spoke with local residents who mentioned that Ukrainian soldiers treat them well, a fact that displeased Moscow. The report also covered the ongoing military actions in the region.
Previously, a similar report from Sudzha was produced by Ukrainian channel TSN, which mentioned that around 100 local residents, including children, were forced to hide in basements due to shortages of water and food.
According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, since the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive on August 6, Ukrainian forces have taken control of 1,150 square kilometers of Russian territory and 82 settlements in Kursk region.
