Italian PM Meloni fires back at Russian TV host Solovyov over insults “Propagandist cannot give lessons in either consistency or freedom”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has commented on sharp remarks directed at her by Russian TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov, according to a post published on her social media.

“At its core, an ardent propagandist of the regime cannot give lessons in either consistency or freedom. But such caricatures will not make us deviate from the path we have chosen,” she wrote.

“We, unlike others, are not bound to anyone, we have no masters, and we do not take orders. Our compass remains one: the interests of Italy. And we will continue to follow it with pride, to the displeasure of propagandists of all kinds,” Meloni added on the platform X.

Per sua natura, un solerte propagandista di regime non può impartire lezioni né di coerenza né di libertà.
Ma non saranno certo queste caricature a farci cambiare strada.
Noi, diversamente da altri, non abbiamo fili, non abbiamo padroni e non prendiamo ordini.
La nostra bussola… pic.twitter.com/UPmr22zAwO

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 21, 2026

The controversy stems from remarks made on Russian state-aligned television by Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent pro-Kremlin host known for frequently attacking Western leaders and policies.

In the broadcast, he used highly offensive language toward Giorgia Meloni, calling her a “fascist” and a “certified idiot,” and accusing her of betraying both her voters and former international allies, including Donald Trump, according to reports from international outlets.

Italian and international media note that Solovyov framed his criticism within broader anti-Western rhetoric, arguing that European governments are directly involved in geopolitical confrontation with Russia, especially over the war in Ukraine.

The episode triggered a diplomatic reaction, with Italy summoning the Russian ambassador and officials condemning the comments as unacceptable and offensive toward Italian institutions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada