Sweden summoned the Russian ambassador in Stockholm on March 5. The Swedish government stated it was protesting against Russia's extensive attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on March 6-7. Sweden stated that Russia's attacks are a clear violation of international law. Sweden also stated that it will continue to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-defense. The exact nature of the Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on March 6-7 has not been detailed, and what specific actions Sweden is considering following the summoning remain unclear.
In Italy, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Russian ambassador to formally protest the extremely serious and offensive remarks made by the TV host, according to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Russian TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov called Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a disgrace to the human race, a wild beast, a certified idiot, and a nasty little woman. Vladimir Solovyov said in Russian that this Meloni is a fascist creature who betrayed her electors and that she even betrayed US President Donald Trump. Opposition parties in Italy condemned the comments by the Russian presenter. What specific responses Italy is considering after the summoning has not been specified.
Russia, in turn, summoned the Japanese ambassador in Moscow to protest a Japanese company's investment in a Ukrainian drone manufacturer. The Tokyo-based company Terra Drone Corporation made a strategic investment in Amazing Drones, a company based in Kharkiv that develops and manufactures interceptor drones. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Sweden takes the drone incident very seriously. The details of Terra Drone Corporation's investment in Amazing Drones have not been fully disclosed.
Amid these diplomatic tensions, Russia is pursuing broader geopolitical moves. Russia is trying to build its own payment system outside the reach of the West, with the sanctioned crypto network A7 appearing in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Togo. Russia is also strengthening its military presence in Africa, though the extent and effectiveness of this presence remain uncertain. The current status of Russia's efforts to build a payment system in Africa, and how effective it has been, remains uncertain.