Russia has sharply criticized Italy's decision to offer an advisory role to Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, intensifying diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Rome.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, took to Telegram to mock the Italian government's move.
She questioned whether there was "no one competent in Italy" to advise Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, adding a reference to Osama bin Laden to underscore her disdain for the appointment.
The remarks follow Crosetto's recent offer to Fedorov, who was removed from his post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Rome's proposal aims to keep Fedorov engaged in defense-related advisory work, a move Moscow views as provocative.
The exchange highlights the deepening rift between Italy and Russia, with diplomatic spats increasingly spilling into public rhetoric.