A wave of diplomatic tensions has flared between Rome and Paris following comments by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini to French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian ambassador to Paris, Emanuela D'Alessandro, describing Salvini's statements as unacceptable and contrary to the historical relations of trust between the two countries.
During an interview in Milan, Salvini was asked about the possibility of sending Italian troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached. He sarcastically said that if Macron wants this, then "let him take his helmet and rifle and go himself."
The League leader, known for his anti-immigrant rhetoric and an ally of Marine Le Pen, has previously attacked Macron, accusing him of pushing Europe towards a clash with Russia. Meanwhile, France and Britain have warned of creating an “alliance of the willing” to send troops to Ukraine as a security guarantee after a peace deal, but Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denied that Italy would be involved in such a scenario.
