In Italy, a real scandal erupted: hundreds of posters with the slogan “Russia is not our enemy” appeared in several cities of the country, causing a mixed reaction from society. What is this campaign about and why has it attracted so much attention? Let’s delve into the details.
Italian-Russian “friendship” on posters
These posters depict a handshake where the colors of the Italian and Russian flags symbolize the “friendship” between the countries. However, it’s not all as simple as it seems – beneath this gesture are calls to stop military aid to Ukraine and Israel. The slogan reads: “Enough money for weapons for Ukraine and Israel. We want peace. We reject war.”
Who is behind this?
The responsibility for the campaign was taken on by the group Sovranita Popolare, which stated that Russophobia is escalating in Italy, and support for Ukraine and Israel only fuels the international conflict. The organization cited an article from the Italian constitution stating that Italy “rejects war as an instrument of aggression.” Their goal is to convey a message of peace, but many see it as an attempt to justify Russia’s actions on the international stage.
Reaction to the posters: support or outrage?
The reaction to these posters varied in different regions. In some cities, the local authorities immediately removed them due to citizens’ outrage, while in others, the posters remained until the end of the advertising lease term. This campaign gained the most attention in Rome, where the local authorities ordered the immediate removal of the posters as they used the city’s symbolism without permission.
Reaction from the Ukrainian Embassy
The Ukrainian Embassy in Rome quickly reacted to the situation. They published a statement on social media expressing concern that such propaganda is attempting to rehabilitate the image of the aggressor state. This sparked a wave of support from many Italians who do not want to see the streets of their cities used as a tool for Russian propaganda.
Italian Government Position
Despite this scandalous campaign, the official position of the Italian government led by Georgia Meloni remains unchanged – Italy supports Ukraine in its struggle for independence. At the Peace Summit in Switzerland, Meloni clearly stated that the international community should unite efforts to help Ukraine, and that Italy will continue to support our country for as long as necessary.
In June of this year, Italy announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth 140 million euros, aimed at infrastructure restoration. In addition, Italy is preparing a new military aid package, which will include the Samp-T air defense system – the only European system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
Why is this important?
The situation with posters in Italy shows how important international efforts are in countering Russian propaganda. Despite attempts to spread the idea of “peace” through refusing to help Ukraine, Italy’s official position remains on the side of the Ukrainian people.
Ukraine can count on Italy – both economically and militarily, which is particularly important in the current circumstances.
