The interview with Lavrov that the Italian press refused to publish: the statements that sparked a diplomatic conflict between Moscow and Italy
A diplomatic conflict between Moscow and the Italian media erupted after the daily “Corriere della Sera” refused to publish an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, categorized by Russian officials as “scandalous censorship”.
An Italian newspaper refuses to publish the interview “full of propaganda” with Sergey Lavrov PHOTO: Profimedia
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov replied “comprehensive” to all the questions sent by Corriere della Sera, but the newspaper refused to publish the text, reasoning that “Lavrov's statements contain too many questionable statements that need to be verified or clarified, and their publication would exceed reasonable limitsThe ministry also stated that it proposed publishing an abridged version in the printed edition, with the full text on the website, but the proposal was rejected.
As a result, the transcript of the interview was published on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and taken over by the TASS agency, but also by the Russian Embassy in Romania, which presented on Facebook “main theses” of the discussion.
The daily position
The management of the Italian newspaper reacted quickly: “The Russian Foreign Ministry responded to the questions previously sent by Corriere della Sera with a long text, full of accusations and propaganda. Our request to conduct a real interview, as a discussion, and to challenge the points that needed clarification was categorically rejected by the ministry“, it is stated in a statement published online.
“Evidently, Lavrov thought he could apply the same criteria to an Italian newspaper as in a country like Russia, where freedom of information has been abolished. When Minister Lavrov wants to give an interview in accordance with the principles of free and independent journalism, we will always be available“, Corriere della Sera pointed out.
The Italian newspaper, published in Milan and founded in 1876, has an average circulation of 221,558 copies and is known for its slogan: “Freedom of ideas”.
What Lavrov said in the interview
In his answers to the Italian newspaper, Lavrov addressed several controversial topics: “the rise of Nazism in Europe”the funding of Ukraine by European governments to distract from domestic problems and the characterization of Russia as “civilized state with a history of a thousand years”.
Lavrov also said he hoped Washington would avoid actions that could escalate the conflict in Ukraine. “We rely on common sense and the fact that maintaining this position will prevail in Washington and that they will refrain from actions that could escalate the conflict to a new level“, the Russian minister said, noting that US President Donald Trump supports the dialogue and “demonstrated commitment to finding a lasting peaceful solution“.
Lavrov also highlighted Russia's concerns about NATO expansion, saying it is one of the reasons for Moscow's actions in Ukraine: “In essence, this is what Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia have been warning about for the past 20 years.”.
Accusations against Europe
In comments published by TASS, Lavrov accused Europe of “sabotage all peace efforts and rejects direct contacts with Moscow. It is introducing new sanctions that are further affecting its economies. It is openly preparing for a new major European war against Russia”. The Russian official added that Russia would be ready to resume contacts with Europe “when will this Russophobic frenzy pass. There is no other way to describe it“.
In the context, European leaders accused Russia of conducting a “hybrid warfare” against European democracies and announced a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow, as well as ways to financially support Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.
