Vodka Gifted to Berlusconi by Putin May Violate EU Sanctions

The vodka that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi claims was gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his birthday may violate European Union sanctions, reports RIA Novosti, citing a European Commission representative.

“EU countries are responsible for ensuring the compliance with sanctions,” the publication states.

It has been noted that since April 2022, a decision was made to ban the import of alcoholic beverages from Russia to the EU. Furthermore, there are no exceptions provided for gifts.

Earlier, La Presse reported that Berlusconi told his party members that he has “made peace with Putin,” and the Russian leader sent him 20 bottles of vodka for his birthday.