Silvio Berlusconi boasts of closeness to Vladimir Putin

Silvio Berlusconi, who will be part of Italy"s new coalition government, has whipped up a storm of criticism by boasting that he had renewed ties with Vladimir Putin through exchanging "lovely letters" in which the Russian leader had called him "number one among his five best friends".

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The three-time prime minister, whose "bunga bunga" sex parties and closeness to the Kremlin have made him no stranger to controversy, made the remarks to his MPs.

In audio of the meeting obtained by the Italian news agency LaPresse, Mr Berlusconi said Mr Putin had sent him twenty bottles of vodka for his birthday and a "very lovely letter."

He went on: "I responded with bottles of Lambrusco and an equally sweet note", adding that he had "re-established relations with President Putin, a little too much."

"Russian ministers have said on many occasions that we are at war with them because we are providing weapons and funding to Ukraine," Mr Berlusconi added.

"I can"t personally give my opinion because if it is leaked to the press, it will turn out to be a disaster."

Forza Italia, Mr Berlusconi"s party, sought to clarify the explosive comments by suggesting that its leader was talking about previous contacts with the Kremlin and insisting that his stand on Russia was "in line with Europe and the United States."

But the episode is yet another headache for Giorgia Meloni, who is preparing to name her right-wing government, which will include Forza Italia figures.

After winning last month"s election with her hard-right, socially conservative views, Ms Meloni has sought to reassure Italy"s western allies by repeating her stance in favour of Nato and continued weapons supplies to Ukraine.