Italy minister: Russia trying to intimidate Italians over Ukraine support

Italy's foreign minister has sharply rejected Russia's version of events surrounding an explosion at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, accusing Moscow of attempting to intimidate Italians. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested that Russians, not Ukrainians, might be behind the intimidation, given Italy's strong support for Ukraine.

"It's a complete lie. Why would the Ukrainians want to intimidate Italians? Perhaps it is the Russians themselves who are trying to intimidate Italians, because we support Ukraine," Tajani stated. His comments came in response to remarks by Russia's ambassador in Rome, who had claimed the explosion at the "Balzi Rossi" restaurant was a Ukrainian government act of intimidation targeting Italians working in Russia.

The blast occurred Saturday evening in Moscow's center, reportedly during a private banquet celebrating the 55th birthday of Russian General Alexander Chaikо, who commands Russia's Aerospace Forces. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced the explosion was a terrorist act, stating a homemade explosive device killed three people: the woman who brought it into the restaurant, a security guard who stopped her, and a patron. Twenty-one others sustained injuries of varying severity.

According to Russian newspaper "Kommersant," the woman carrying the device was a courier who delivered it as a gift. The package allegedly contained about 1 kg of TNT or equivalent, along with metal parts, and was likely detonated remotely as a security guard inspected it. Reports from Russian and Ukrainian media indicated that security vehicles surrounded the restaurant, one of Moscow's most expensive, at the time of the explosion. Independent news service "ASTRA," citing witnesses, reported some vehicles had black license plates, typically used by the military and certain security services. General Chaikо has been accused of war crimes in Ukraine.

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It's a complete lie. Why would the Ukrainians want to intimidate Italians? Perhaps it is the Russians themselves who are trying to intimidate Italians, because we support Ukraine.