03:21Italy: Locals demonstrate in front of RAI Headquarters in Milan against Zelensky's appearance at Sanremo Festival
Dozens gathered in front of the headquarters of RAI, the Italian state radio and television, in Milan on Saturday to protest against Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky speech during Italy's most important singing event broadcast Sanremo Festival.
"They are trying to steer public opinion toward war," said a member of Committee Against War Marcello Gentile. "But they have not succeeded because the majority of the Italian people are against war and against sending weapons to Ukraine".
Gentile added that they believe it is an affront to their Constitution, that repudiates war and they didn't know what Zelensky is going to say "but he has been invited for war propaganda".
"By continuing to send weapons the situation is getting worse instead of finding a diplomatic way out through negotiations", commented Emanuela, a protester that carried a banner against sending weapons to Ukraine.
President Zelensky, who was initially supposed to send a video message, will not appear with his face on the screens of tens of millions of Italians, but instead a written message of his will be read by the program's host Amadeus.
In recent months, Zelensky has made similar appearances at the Grammy Awards and Golden Globes ceremonies. He also participated in the opening ceremonies of the Cannes and Venice festivals.
03:21Dozens gathered in front of the headquarters of RAI, the Italian state radio and television, in Milan on Saturday to protest against Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky speech during Italy's most important singing event broadcast Sanremo Festival.
"They are trying to steer public opinion toward war," said a member of Committee Against War Marcello Gentile. "But they have not succeeded because the majority of the Italian people are against war and against sending weapons to Ukraine".
Gentile added that they believe it is an affront to their Constitution, that repudiates war and they didn't know what Zelensky is going to say "but he has been invited for war propaganda".
"By continuing to send weapons the situation is getting worse instead of finding a diplomatic way out through negotiations", commented Emanuela, a protester that carried a banner against sending weapons to Ukraine.
President Zelensky, who was initially supposed to send a video message, will not appear with his face on the screens of tens of millions of Italians, but instead a written message of his will be read by the program's host Amadeus.
In recent months, Zelensky has made similar appearances at the Grammy Awards and Golden Globes ceremonies. He also participated in the opening ceremonies of the Cannes and Venice festivals.