Italian journalists are returning home because of a report from the Kursk region

Two Italian journalists, Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini, who angered Russia with their reporting from the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Kursk region, were forced to return to Italy after threats from Moscow.

This was reported by the RAI state television and radio company, which quotes European Pravda.

The incident occurred after the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian ambassador, accusing the journalists of "illegal border crossing" during filming. In response, RAI decided to temporarily return the journalists to Italy to ensure their personal safety.

Journalists were probably the first foreign reporters to report on the offensive of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. They are expected to fly back to Milan on Sunday.

The Italian Foreign Ministry, through its ambassador Cecilia Piccioni, emphasized that RAI and its reporters acted independently and autonomously. A statement from the Italian trade unions emphasized that journalism is not a crime and attempts to bring Italian journalists to court because of their professional activities are unacceptable.