(ANSA-AFP) - ROME, JAN 26 - Russian President Vladimir Putin
spent more than two hours Wednesday in a virtual meeting with
top Italian executives, despite Rome's opposition due to
escalating tensions over Ukraine. The event organised by the
Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce included energy giant Enel,
insurer Generali and tyre manufacturer Pirelli. Energy firm Eni
told AFP it had decided Tuesday to withdraw. According to
Russian news agencies, Putin hailed Italy as one of Moscow's
"main economic partners" -- and amid worries over soaring gas
prices, said Russia was a "reliable supplier". The meeting had
been planned in November by the chamber of commerce, which seeks
to boost business and investment ties between the eurozone's
third-largest economy and Russia. But it comes just as the
United States and other Western powers have warned Moscow of
punishing economic sanctions if it moves ahead with what they
fear is an imminent invasion of Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister
Mario Draghi's government asked firms in which the Italian state
has a stake not to take part in the meeting, according to a
source close to one participant. (ANSA-AFP).
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