Salvini threat to veto sanctions on Russia

Italy put itself on a collision course with much of the EU yesterday after threatening to veto the renewal of sanctions against Russia. During a visit to Moscow, Matteo Salvini, Italy’s staunchly pro-Moscow deputy prime minister, said that Rome might block the renewal of sanctions that have been in place since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. The sanctions, including the freezing of assets of individuals, an embargo on weapons exports and financial restrictions, are due to expire in January.