The incident. The recent Russian attack on Sumy, a city in Ukraine’s North, not far from the Russian border, claimed the lives of at least 34 individuals, including two children, and has once again exposed the deep fractures among Italy’s political parties.
- Moscow claimed to target a Ukrainian command centre and justified the attack by accusing Kyiv of utilising civilians as “human shields” in densely populated areas.
Reaction from Lega. Among the ruling parties, Lega’s leader Matteo Salvini, who is Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, described the incident as “a terrible massacre” and expressed hope that the upcoming Holy Week would bring peace and resurrection to the Ukrainian front.
- When pressed on whether the massacre casts doubt on Russia’s sincerity regarding peace, Salvini argued that “in any negotiation table there are Russians, Ukrainians and Americans – I am not part of that. Attacking civilians and shedding more blood does not pave the way to peace.”
Reaction from the Five Star Movement. Among the opposition, the Five Star Movement (M5S) offered a markedly ambiguous stance.
- MP Vittoria Baldino stated, “One cannot weep for a child under bombs in Sumy and then remain silent when children lie buried under rubble in Gaza. Human rights cannot be applied selectively based on national allegiance. In these times, silence is not neutrality—it is a choice, it is taking sides, and it is, regrettably, complicity.”
- Baldino’s comments were a scathing indictment of the Italian government, accusing it of “an unacceptable moral blindness” that complicates the tragedy.
Reaction from other parties. Other ruling parties and the main opposition party have strongly condemned the attack.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the Sumy assault as “another horrible and vile Russian attack,” firmly condemning these “barbaric” acts of violence and stressing that her government, alongside Europe and other international partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to peace.
- Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party (PD), echoed these sentiments and harshly criticised Russia.
- Forza Italia’s leader, Antonio Tajani, who is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, also weighed in, warning that such attacks, targeting defenceless civilians in Sumy, clearly indicate that Russia harbours no genuine desire for a negotiated peace.
(Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine)
