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In a 13-minute phone conversation mistakenly believed to be with an African leader, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the pervasive weariness surrounding the Ukrainian conflict and the solitary burden Italy faces regarding migration.
The deception was confirmed by Meloni’s team, who acknowledged she had been duped into the conversation on September 18 by an individual masquerading as the head of the African Union Commission—a ruse orchestrated by Russian comedic duo Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus, who feigned the identity of “an African politician.”
In the call, Meloni candidly remarked on the Ukraine situation: “I see that there is a lot of fatigue, I have to say the truth, from all the sides.We (are) near the moment in which everybody understands that we need a way out.”
She further noted the challenge in finding a resolution that would be “acceptable for both without destroying the international law.”
Meloni also voiced frustration over the migration crisis, criticizing the lack of adequate support from international allies: “They do all agree that only Italy has to solve this problem alone. It’s a very stupid way of thinking.”
Alexei Stolyarov, one half of the prankster duo, appreciated Meloni’s candor. “Unfortunately, unlike her, many European politicians behave like some kind of programmed robot and express points of view that are only voiced in their own circles,” he conveyed to Reuters.
Stolyarov, also known as Lexus, was the main speaker during the prank call, while his partner Vovan was also on the line.
The incident comes as Meloni, who has served as prime minister for a year, recently ended her relationship with her TV presenter partner following leaked footage showing him in a negative light.
Despite the incident, Meloni’s public stance remains firmly in support of Ukraine, a sentiment echoed by sources in the Italian media.
The prank call targeted Meloni amidst a busy schedule aimed at bolstering ties with African leaders, particularly around the time of the UN general assembly in New York, where she was engaged from September 19 to 21.
Meloni’s discussions with African officials also touched on migration issues, as she sought support to curb the flow of migrant boats to Italy. She criticized Europe’s approach, which she felt unfairly burdened Italy with the crisis, suggesting a broader, more inclusive solution involving the EU and potentially the UN.
(With inputs from agencies)
The deception was confirmed by Meloni’s team, who acknowledged she had been duped into the conversation on September 18 by an individual masquerading as the head of the African Union Commission—a ruse orchestrated by Russian comedic duo Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus, who feigned the identity of “an African politician.”
In the call, Meloni candidly remarked on the Ukraine situation: “I see that there is a lot of fatigue, I have to say the truth, from all the sides.We (are) near the moment in which everybody understands that we need a way out.”
She further noted the challenge in finding a resolution that would be “acceptable for both without destroying the international law.”
Meloni also voiced frustration over the migration crisis, criticizing the lack of adequate support from international allies: “They do all agree that only Italy has to solve this problem alone. It’s a very stupid way of thinking.”
Alexei Stolyarov, one half of the prankster duo, appreciated Meloni’s candor. “Unfortunately, unlike her, many European politicians behave like some kind of programmed robot and express points of view that are only voiced in their own circles,” he conveyed to Reuters.
Stolyarov, also known as Lexus, was the main speaker during the prank call, while his partner Vovan was also on the line.
The incident comes as Meloni, who has served as prime minister for a year, recently ended her relationship with her TV presenter partner following leaked footage showing him in a negative light.
Despite the incident, Meloni’s public stance remains firmly in support of Ukraine, a sentiment echoed by sources in the Italian media.
The prank call targeted Meloni amidst a busy schedule aimed at bolstering ties with African leaders, particularly around the time of the UN general assembly in New York, where she was engaged from September 19 to 21.
Meloni’s discussions with African officials also touched on migration issues, as she sought support to curb the flow of migrant boats to Italy. She criticized Europe’s approach, which she felt unfairly burdened Italy with the crisis, suggesting a broader, more inclusive solution involving the EU and potentially the UN.
(With inputs from agencies)
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