Italy fears it could become Russia’s next target in hybrid warfare

Italy is increasingly being discussed as a possible target of Russian political interference, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warning that attempts to influence future elections cannot be ruled out.

“This is an issue that concerns the entire European Union, but it is not excluded that there could be attempts to influence elections in countries where voting takes place,” Tajani said. He argued that governments should respond before such efforts become more serious.

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This is an issue that concerns the entire European Union, but it is not excluded that there could be attempts to influence elections in countries where voting takes place.

His remarks followed a Financial Times analysis that described Italian politician and former general Roberto Vannacci as a kind of Russian “Trojan horse” in the West. The newspaper highlighted Vannacci’s views on rising energy prices and his call to stop sending weapons to Ukraine.

Vannacci rejected the characterization and demanded evidence. “I am still waiting for at least some evidence, solid evidence. Without it, these are just stories,” he said. He argued that opponents portray him as a Russian agent because he opposes parts of Brussels’ policy. “They are terribly afraid of me,” Vannacci said, adding that he had previously been labeled homophobic, racist, xenophobic and sexist, and was now being called a “Trojan horse.”

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I am still waiting for at least some evidence, solid evidence. Without it, these are just stories.

Tajani said the issue should not be viewed only through individual politicians and their statements. He described Russian influence as a broader challenge for European democracies, involving disinformation, cyberattacks, political interference and other methods that could weaken public trust in institutions and allies.

The concern has also been linked to events in Germany. Berlin accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, saying a drone found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft carried explosives and resembled earlier Russian hybrid operations. Moscow rejected the accusation. German authorities are also investigating possible sabotage involving electricity infrastructure after two incidents on the power grid within 24 hours, including an attack on a transformer.

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They are terribly afraid of me.