Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly provoking Ukraine’s European allies to shift attention away from the unfavorable situation on the battlefield, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

Axar.az reports, citing Italian media, that Meloni made the remarks after meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo.

“I think no one fails to notice the increase in Russian provocations; we have seen several in recent weeks,” Meloni said.

“Provocations by Moscow are multiplying because Putin needs to shift attention — seeking an escalation with Europe — away from a situation on the battlefield that is not going as he had promised. We must ask ourselves who benefits from an escalation and act accordingly,” she added.

“We must not react to the provocations; that would benefit Russia more than Europe.”