Putin’s vodka gift to Berlusconi breaks EU sanctions and causes row in Rome

Silvio Berlusconi, 86, and his girlfriend Marta Fascina, 32, following a meeting of his Forza Alliance party this week (EPA)

A birthday present of 20 bottles of vodka from Vladimir Putin to Silvio Berlusconi breached European Union sanctions imposed after the Russian leader’s invasion of Ukraine – and has prompted fears about the make-up of Italy’s next government.

The ruling by the European Commission comes as the veteran, controversial Italian leader is, once again, a leading player in Italian politics, raising concerns over whether the West should share intelligence about the Ukraine war with Berlusconi.

“For my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter,” said Berlusconi, who turned 86 last month.