The Russian Foreign Ministry has described the refusal to publish an interview with Sergey Lavrov as “outrageous censorship.” The editorial team initially agreed but then declined. The ministry stated that the newspaper removed “all uncomfortable points for official Rome.” Lavrov’s comments on the aborted meeting between Putin and Trump in Budapest, suggesting that Trump received “behind-the-scenes reports” leading to cancellation. Lavrov rejected accusations that Russia is “not ready for negotiations,” asserting after the Anchorage summit, Moscow had been waiting for a response from Washington on a proposed peace settlement. In the interview, Lavrov reiterated that the goal of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine was not the capture of territory but the “protection of the population and ensuring Russia’s security.” Russia seeks a “neutral and non-aligned status” for Ukraine, he said, and accused the West of waging a “proxy war” against Moscow. Addressing relations with Italy, Lavrov noted that it is not the people who are “unfriendly,” but rather the government. He stated that Moscow is open to restoring dialogue, but only if Italy shows a willingness to engage in “mutual respect.”