On 14 March 2025, Decode39 reported that Russia has significantly escalated its hybrid warfare efforts in Italy, combining cyberattacks, disinformation, and influence operations to undermine Rome’s support for Ukraine. The article begins:
Russia is ramping up hybrid warfare in Italy, combining cyberattacks, disinformation, and influence operations to weaken Rome’s support for Ukraine and destabilise its institutions. The Kremlin’s tactics include direct verbal attacks on President Mattarella, targeting Italian academia, and leveraging ideological narratives through figures like Alexander Dugin. Italy remains a prime target due to its geopolitical significance and internal divisions
A targeted offensive. Russia is intensifying its hybrid warfare campaign in Italy, blending cyber-attacks, disinformation, and influence operations.
• The goal: weaken Rome’s steadfast support for Ukraine, exploit institutional divisions, and erode public consensus around Italy’s Euro-Atlantic alignment.
Key Points:
- Russian-linked hackers have targeted Italian government websites while Kremlin officials verbally attack President Mattarella.
- Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has summoned the Russian ambassador in a rare diplomatic rebuke.
- Italian universities have become soft targets with screenings of Russian propaganda and platforming of pro-Kremlin figures.
- Alexander Dugin is attempting to drive wedges in Italy’s government by suggesting PM Meloni’s “true” alignment is with Russia.