The iconic Russian warship Moskva's sinking, a day after Ukraine said it tore open the vessel's hull with a missile strike, shows the war-wracked country can defend itself, according to Italy's foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio.
"Russian president Vladimir Putin has been proved wrong in his assessment of this war," Di Maio told public broadcaster RAI's 'Today is another day' programme on Friday.
The Moskva's sinking on Friday as it was towed to port "bears further testimony to the Ukrainians' ability to defend themselves," Di Maio stated.
"But this does not mean we support war," Di Maio added.
The 510-crew missile cruiser sank after a fire on board caused its ammunition to explode, according to Russia, which did not report any attack.
The 12,490-tonne vessel is the biggest Russian warship to be sunk in action since World War Two. It was a symbol of Russia's military power, leading its naval assault on Ukraine.
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