Italy protests Russia's takeover of Ariston amid legal dispute

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome, Alexey Paramonov, on Monday to protest Vladimir Putin's decision to transfer the management of the Russian branch of the Italian company Ariston to Gazprom. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to this summons.

In a statement issued by the foreign ministry after its representative's conversation with the ambassador, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the government in Rome expressed "strong disappointment" regarding this "unexpected measure" regarding Gazprom's temporary takeover of the management of the heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturing company.

In line with its common stance with European partners, Italy requests the Russian Federation to withdraw steps taken against the lawful economic activities of foreign companies in this country, as stated in the declaration.

It was noted that during the conversation, which took place at the direction of the head of Italian diplomacy, Antonio Tajani, the Russian ambassador was asked to explain the reasons for the decision, which - as the statement reads - has "no basis in law" and was taken against a company's "historical roots" in Russia with "no connection with the current international crisis situation."

It also recalled that the European Union, in its statement, strongly condemned the decree, which is also aimed at one of the German companies, and considered it a sign of Russia's disrespect for international law. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tajani also reserves the right to consider a response to Moscow's move.

The decree was signed by Putin under a rule introduced by Russia last year, which allows Moscow authorities to decide on the confiscation of assets of companies from countries deemed "hostile."

These steps were taken within legal frameworks and in response to the unfriendly and contrary to international law actions of the United States and foreign countries that joined them - as stated in the declaration.