Berlusconi says Russia’s Putin gifted him vodka, sweet note
By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press
ROME (AP) — The European Union executive is reminding Silvio Berlusconi that Russia “illegitimately” invaded Ukraine. That, after the former Italian premier was heard on a recording boasting that he had recently reconnected with Russian President Vladimir Putin and exchanged gifts of vodka, wine and “sweet” letters. Italy’s LaPresse news agency published what it said were comments by Berlusconi to his center-right Forza Italia lawmakers. The comments made front-page news as Italy’s conservative coalition divvies Cabinet posts before forming a new government. It will be headed by Giorgia Meloni, who has strongly backed Ukraine in Russia’s war. Berlusconi’s office insisted it was an old tale.
