Biosecurity

Italy Questions Russians Over Their Goodwill Virus Gestures

President Vladimir Putin’s bid to help Italy fight its coronavirus outbreak triggered a war of words after news reports questioned the sincerity of Russia’s initiative.

While Italy’s government has welcomed the aid, the Defense Ministry in Moscow expressed outrage after mainstream newspaper La Stampa said most of it missed the mark and that some military staff sent by Russia were spies. The accusation from Moscow that La Stampa was “digging its own grave” with Russophobic fake news prompted Italy to remind Russia about the value of press freedom.

The backlash is a reminder of the pitfalls for Putin as his goodwill coup in the country with the most coronavirus deaths worldwide runs up against doubts about his motives. With Italy’s hospitals buckling and its economy collapsing, resentment at its European Union partners for restricting medical exports helped open the door to China and Russia.