A much-hyped summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to take place next week, but its location remains unclear and controversial among Western and Russian media.
According to American media outlet Fox News, the meeting could take place as early as next Monday, with Rome as one of the main candidates to welcome the two world leaders.
Two sources close to the negotiation process told the American network that Italy is one of the most serious options, even if the meeting is postponed to the weekend.
Fox News says that European countries remain favorites, but alternatives outside the old continent are also being discussed.
But Russian state news agency Tass immediately dismissed the speculation about Roma.
According to a source quoted by Tass, " the meeting between Putin and Trump will not be held in a European country ," thus excluding Italy and other EU countries from the list of possible hosts.
The source did not provide details on the alternative venue, but added that discussions are still ongoing, while security protocols and logistics remain key issues in the decision-making.
The meeting between the two leaders is expected to focus on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and the ever-growing tensions between the West and Moscow.
However, the lack of transparency over the official venue and date still keeps the summit's agenda unclear.