He made the statement in response to comments by the Russian ambassador in Rome, who claimed that the attack on an Italian restaurant in Moscow was an act of intimidation by the Ukrainian authorities targeting Italians working in Russia, Ukrinform reports, citing Adnkronos.

"An outright lie. Why would Ukrainians want to intimidate Italians? Perhaps it is the Russians who are trying to intimidate Italians, given that we support Ukraine," Tajani said.

An explosion occurred on Saturday evening, August 1, at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. The restaurant had been closed for a private banquet, reportedly to celebrate the birthday of a Russian general.

Ukrinform photos can be purchased here