Berlusconi said he was joking about exchanging gift alcohol with Putin

According to the Adnkronos agency, he spoke about this in an interview with journalist Bruno Vespa.

Berlusconi remembered that he had told his party members about the exchange of congratulatory telegrams with Putin on birthdays.

In response, one of the deputies asked if they had exchanged gifts.

“Of course, twenty bottles of vodka and (wine. -

) Lambrusco.

But everyone understood that it was a joke," Berlusconi said.

Earlier, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported that Berlusconi made a splash after he said he had "reestablished contact" with Putin, who sent him vodka for his birthday.

It is noted that later the politician's party denied the information of LaPresse.

At the same time, the European Commission admitted that in the case of the vodka allegedly donated by Putin to Berlusconi, it could be a violation of EU anti-Russian sanctions.