Italy’s Prime Minister Tough On Russia, Support For Commercial Sanctions… But, Seems Hands-Off For Furla, Isaia, Lardini, Prada, And Smeg As They Are Prominent At GUM In Moscow.

Mar 30

Within the passages of the GUM Department Store adjacent to Red Square, which is adjacent to the Kremlin in the capital city of Moscow, Russian Federation, are retail stores with signage featuring some of the most well-known brands originating from Italy. Among them are Furla, Isaia, Lardini, Prada, and Smeg. There too is Buccellati, but the brand is now owned by a Switzerland-based company.

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy (2022- ), has been vocal in support of sanctions (currently in their 16th iteration with a 17th iteration expected soon) impacting the public sector and private sector within the Russian Federation implemented by the twenty-seven member countries of the Brussels, Belgium-based European Union (EU):

European Union (EU): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Curious why Prime Minister Meloni has not used administrative and legislative instruments to dissuade well-known brands from Italy away from profit centers within the Russian Federation.

Perhaps, the Prime Minister does not want Italy-based brands to cede too much market share to well-known brands from other EU countries whose presence in the Russian Federation continues unabated- and perhaps also expecting a commercial re-engagement between the EU and or Italy and the Russian Federation is not too far off.

“Extending NATO's Article 5 to Ukraine seems to be the simplest and most effective proposal of all, also because it would help call a possible bluff. If Russia does not plan to invade its neighbors again, it is not clear why it should not accept security guarantees that are only defensive… easier and more effective than the other ideas that are on the table” Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy (2022- )

Links To Related Analyses

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3/8/25- Are Peacekeepers Required For Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire, Peace Agreement? Critical For Peacekeepers? Russia And Ukraine Must Fear Them, Respect Them, Scared To Kill Them. Two Options?

6/14/24- At G7 Italia Summit, Meloni Does Favor For U.S. And Turkiye. Invites Erdogan, Who Is Seated Next To Biden At First Expanded Meeting. No Coincidence. “Dress Rehearsal” For Washington Visit.