Italian media on October 23 prominently featured US sanctions against Russian oil and gas. Early reports detailed President Trump's announcement of sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, along with a cancelled meeting with Putin, though some outlets noted Trump's suggestion of future dialogue. The European Council also approved new sanctions against Moscow.
Later in the day, attention shifted to King Charles and Queen Camilla's historic visit to the Vatican, including a prayer with Pope Francis in the Sistine Chapel. Simultaneously, discussions continued around the 2026 budget maneuver, specifically concerning taxes on short-term rentals, diesel, and cigarettes.
In the afternoon, the Regeni trial was halted as acts were sent to the Consulta. Concurrently, reports emerged of Netanyahu's decision to stop progress on the annexation of the West Bank following US opposition, with Trump threatening to withdraw US support if annexation proceeded.
Throughout the evening, the focus returned to escalating tensions between Russia and the US, with Putin calling US sanctions an "hostile act" and threatening a "schiazzante" response if Ukraine used long-range weapons. Russian military jets violating Lithuanian airspace further underscored these tensions.