Fondness between Italy, Russia 'despite everything' - Putin

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 19 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the mutual fondness between Italy and Russian has remained despite Rome's staunch support of Ukraine following Moscow's invasion of its neighbour.
    "'Despite what is happening now, we perceive a certain liking for Russia in Italian society, just as we have for Italy," Putin said in his end-of-year press conference, recalling his friendship with late, ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi.
    "He was a person of very warm in relations, very industrious, very tenacious", Putin said of Berlusconi.
    "He did a lot for the development of relations between Italy and Russia". (ANSA).