After Putin’s phone call with Italian PM Conte, the Russian Defense Ministry is sending military medics, special disinfection vehicles and medical equipment to Italy. Where is the EU? #coronavirus reuters.com/article/us-hea…
This Russian propaganda ploy comes as EU continues debating whether to tap ESM for Italy. Presumably Conte thinks that seeking Russian can help coax a decision from Berlin/Brussels ft.com/content/d6f5a4…
The reservoir of affection and close ties between Italy and Russia are nothing new, even though Italy remains firmly planted in EU/NATO. My recent paper on this phenomenon: carnegieendowment.org/2020/02/27/wit…
Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio is live tweeting the arrival of Russian military planes carrying #coronavirus relief materials for Italy
