The Russian election has sparked a tussle between Italy’s Prime Minister and her Deputy.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has gone against the critical response from Western leaders, saying that the voters’ verdict must be accepted.
Salvini was a stanch ally of Putin’s before the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and said that the results must be accepted as “when people vote they are always right”.
Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking that this reinforces the murky relationship that Salvini and Putin have had over the years.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been trying to play down these comments, McKenna said, coming out very strongly to show support for Ukraine and Navalny.
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