Italian Foreign Minister Warns of Potential Russian Interference in EU Elections

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that he does not exclude the possibility of the Russian Federation attempting to interfere in the democratic life and free elections of European Union member states, including Italy. Speaking before an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, Tajani described such activities as deprecable and unacceptable. He noted that Italy has implemented measures to counter these threats, including a new general directorate for security and a 24 hour operations room designed to repel cyberattacks, many of which he attributed to Russian hackers.

Tajani also addressed a Financial Times article that characterized Roberto Vannacci as a Trojan horse for Russia. He stated that the publication can write what it wants but that claims must be proven, adding that he hopes the allegations are false.

Matteo Salvini expressed concern over what he described as an anti Russian anxiety. While he did not comment directly on Tajani, Salvini stated that Italian voters do not choose based on influences from Russia, China, the United States, Israel, or Palestine. He suggested that some European governments may be using pretexts to prolong the war in order to sell more weapons.