A Russian television host was moved to tears as he revealed EU sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine have cost him two luxury homes on Lake Como.
Vladimir Solovyov is known for his show which attacks the West and Europe by spreading false information.
Despite his hatred, he owned two mansions on the picturesque Amalfi Coast in Italy where he counted George and Amal Clooney and singer Sting among his superstar neighbours.
This week the EU announced far reaching sanctions on several rich Russians.
As a result, Solovyov will not be allowed to enjoy the Italian sunshine.
He raged on his show, The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov: “I was told that Europe is a citadel of rights, that everything is permitted, that’s what they said…I know from personal experience about the so-called ‘sacred property rights.
“With every transaction I was bringing paperwork demonstrating my official salary, income, I did it all. I bought it, paid crazy amount of taxes, I did everything.
“And suddenly someone makes a decision that this journalist is now on the list of sanctions…right away it affects your real estate.”
EU chiefs have so far imposed financial sanctions on 70% of Russia ’s banking market, plus the energy sector, airlines, technology and visas.
Following complaints they did not go far enough, Britain, the US, Canada and the European Union announced selected Russian banks would be excluded from the Swift global payments system.
In a joint statement, leaders of those nations vowed to crackdown on so-called golden passports that let wealthy Russians connected to Putin’s government “become citizens of our countries and gain access to our financial systems”.
The statement said: "We stand with the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people in their heroic efforts to resist Russia's invasion.
"Russia's war represents an assault on fundamental international rules and norms that have prevailed since the Second World War, which we are committed to defending.
"We will hold Russia to account and collectively ensure that this way is a strategic failure for Putin."
They have also decided to impose restrictions which will prevent the Russian Central Bank from deploying its international reserves to support the rouble and finance the war effort.
Wealthy Russians have been warned that their assets will be frozen if they violate the sanctions, which aim to "further isolate Russia from the international financial system".
