By the end of May 2022, about a month after the Draghi government began the transition toward new leadership in Italy, several high level discussions drew international attention. Oleg Kostyukov, the first secretary of the Russian embassy in Rome, and Antonio Capuano, an adviser on international relations to Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right wing league, held a meeting. Intelligence documents published by the Turin daily La Stampa suggested that the Russian diplomat and his political allies were weighing the possibility of withdrawing ministers they had supported since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The discussions reportedly included considerations about sanctions on Moscow, and whether a push to supply arms to the attacked Slavic country would be considered. The disclosure stirred a major political scandal and raised questions about Moscow’s influence in Italy as the Draghi era ended. The controversy deepened when it emerged that the Russian official present at the meeting was connected to the Italian leadership, raising concerns about the reach of Russian interests inside the state apparatus and the intelligence community.
Italy has long been described by investigative journalists as a focal point for Russian influence within Europe. The coverage notes that Moscow’s reach spans across political spectrums and includes media outlets and public figures who maintain close ties to the Kremlin. Analysts point to both center-right and populist movements as being receptive to Moscow, with figures such as Silvio Berlusconi, Matteo Salvini, and Beppe Grillo cited among those who have displayed proximity to Russian interests. Historical context is also invoked, highlighting that during the Cold War, Italy housed a significant communist party within the Western bloc, accompanied by strong anti American sentiment that continues to echo in some circles.
Allegations have also touched on Alessandro di Battista, who at a Rototom Sunsplash event this year participated in a widely discussed episode related to alleged attempts by foreign actors to influence Italian politics. The book Supernova, authored by Nicola Biodo and Marco Canestrati, reveals moments related to the Five Star Movement and its interactions with Russia. It reports a controversial remark linked to a referendum proposed by a centre-left prime minister, which critics say showcased openness to external assistance. The remark, reportedly shared within parliamentary group offices in 2016, suggested seeking support from the Russian ambassador in the campaign for the constitutional referendum, implying a sequence of actions that could blur the lines between national policy and foreign influence.
pro-Kremlin director
In 2018, a figure associated with the ruling League, the populist Five Star Movement, and the government was appointed as a director for RAI, the Italian public broadcaster. Marcello Foa, a journalist with ties to the Berlusconi family media network, was seen as a person close to Kremlin narratives. His stance and public remarks led many to view him as sympathetic to Moscow. He even participated in discussions on state media channels that were critical of the presidency and government decisions within the European Union.
The influence concerns extended to the leadership of Berlusconi’s television group, which hosted commentators and guests who were seen as spreading unverified narratives that aligned with Kremlin messaging. In the year following, remarks by Russian officials during international interviews drew sharp criticism. A notable interview by the Russian foreign minister at the time declined Russia’s role in contentious events and asserted a controversial interpretation of Ukraine’s leadership, a stance that sparked debate and discomfort among European partners. These developments fed ongoing concerns about disinformation and manipulation of public opinion within Italy.
All these ongoing episodes prompted the Italian Parliament’s Intelligence Committee to initiate a formal review aimed at mapping the extent of disinformation and foreign influence in the country. The objective was to understand how disinformation could shape public perception, electoral dynamics, and the policy decisions of Italian institutions. The investigations underscore the fragile boundary between legitimate political dialogue and external influence operations that may seek to sway national choices.