(MENAFN) Italy’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador on Monday following a Russian official’s claim linking the collapse of a historic Roman tower to Italy’s financial and military backing of Ukraine, according to reports.

The dispute arose after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova posted on her Telegram channel: "as long as the Italian government continues to waste taxpayers' money on Ukraine, Italy will collapse entirely, from its economy to the towers." Her remarks referenced the recent fall of the Torre dei Conti, a prominent medieval landmark in central Rome.

Zakharova also noted that “in May this year, the Italian Foreign Ministry reported that Italian support to Ukraine, including military aid and contributions paid through EU mechanisms, amounts to approximately 2.5 billion euros.”

The comments prompted a strong response from Rome. Italy’s Foreign Ministry condemned the statement as “squalid,” stating it exposed “the depths of vulgarity into which Moscow's leadership has fallen.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the remarks as “shameful” and “unacceptable in a civilized country,” adding: "We cannot speculate on people still under the rubble and on injured workers. Whenever there has been a disaster that has struck the Russian Federation, we have always shown solidarity."

European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno called the statement “Kremlin propaganda,” accusing Moscow of exploiting Italy’s tragedy to spread disinformation.

Zakharova’s post followed Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto’s confirmation of Italy’s ongoing support for Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Crosetto said Italy “continues to help Kyiv with what we can,” hinting at an upcoming aid package “along the lines of previous ones.”

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