The President of Russia could violate the sanctions of the European Union by giving the former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi vodka on his birthday. This was stated by the European Commission, writes DPA.
The Russian leader gave 20 bottles of vodka to the former head of Italy on his 86th anniversary. Silvio Berlusconi said that he had a little restored relations with Vladimir Putin, so he was sent a gift from Moscow and a “very kind letter.”
The European Commission became interested in this. In April 2022, the European Union banned the import of liquor and vodka products from Russia, including vodka. Moreover, the law does not provide for exceptions for gifts. Italian authorities will find out whether there was a gift from the Kremlin by violation of the sanctions regime.