Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini responded to criticism over his handshake with Russian Ambassador Alexei Paramonov at a diplomatic event hosted by China in Rome. Salvini stated, "I prefer a handshake to an angry look," emphasizing that he greeted numerous diplomats, including the Spanish ambassador and Italian officials, as a gesture of maintaining good relations and dialogue.

The opposition parties strongly condemned Salvini's actions. Senator Filippo Sensi (PD) called the handshake "a deep shame for Italy" and demanded the government distance itself from the gesture and reaffirm support for Ukraine. Riccardo Magi, secretary of +Europa, criticized Salvini for embracing the ambassador of a country that invaded Ukraine and violated NATO airspace, questioning the government's coherence and leadership under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Davide Faraone, vice president of Italia Viva, highlighted internal government divisions, stating the lack of a unified stance undermines Italy's credibility. He also criticized Salvini's alignment with former US President Trump and called for investment in defense and a unified European army within NATO to optimize resources.