Putin expressed condolences to the President of Italy in connection with the death of Berlusconi

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Italian leader Sergio Mattarella on the death of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, reported in the Kremlin. Berlusconi’s death at the age of 87 was reported today by the newspaper Corriere della Sera.

According to Putin, the ex-premier was an outstanding politician and a true patriot of Italy, he did a lot for the economic and social development of the country, strengthening its position in Europe and on the world stage.

“He was rightfully considered the patriarch of Italian politics and enjoyed high international prestige. In Russia, Silvio Berlusconi will be remembered as a consistent and principled supporter of strengthening friendly relations between our countries,” the president said, stressing that Berlusconi made an “invaluable personal contribution” to the development of mutually beneficial Russian-Italian partnerships.

For the Russian leader, the politician was “a dear person, a true friend,” the telegram says. Putin noted the wisdom of Berlusconi and his ability to make “balanced, far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations.”

“In the course of each of our meetings, I was literally charged with his incredible vitality, optimism and sense of humor. His passing away is an irreparable loss and a great sorrow,” the Russian president said.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died at the age of 87 after a long illness, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported on June 12. In early April, it became known that Berlusconi was diagnosed with leukemia and a lung infection caused by it, after which he spent 45 days in the San Raffaele clinic in his native Milan. Prior to that, he underwent treatment in January due to the consequences of the coronavirus. On June 9, Berlusconi was re-hospitalized for a scheduled medical examination.

In 2016, the ex-premier was hospitalized due to heart failure. In September 2020, he was reported to have contracted covid and bilateral pneumonia. In 2021, the politician was hospitalized due to heart problems, and later he fell ill with the coronavirus again.