Pro-Putin general’s surging ratings in Italy spark Trojan horse fears
Photo: Roberto Vannacci - former Italian military general (facebook.com/Roberto.Vannacci.68)
The popularity of far-right politician Roberto Vannacci, known for his pro-Moscow views, is rapidly growing in Italy, according to The Times.
Who is Roberto Vannacci?
Vannacci is a former general of Italian special forces who served as Italy’s military attaché in Moscow from 2021 to 2022. According to John Forman, a former British military attaché in Russia and an acquaintance of Vannacci, the Italian openly admired Russia.
According to Forman, Vannacci was attracted to the idea of "strongman leadership" and order - a trait typical of many Italian officers. His wife appreciated the cleanliness of Moscow, and he himself said that his children could play safely on playgrounds there, just as they once did in Italy.
Did not believe in the possibility of invasion
Even in late 2021, when Russia was massing troops near the border with Ukraine, Vannacci continued to insist that an invasion would not take place. According to Forman, the Italian was inexperienced and loudly convinced even the Italian Ambassador to Moscow of this.
Forman noted that he had had no reliable sources and had suffered from arrogance, excessive self-confidence, and gullibility.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Vannacci was among 24 Italian diplomats expelled from Moscow in May - in response to Italy’s similar move against Russian diplomats.
Threat to European unity
Currently, Vannacci calls for halting Italy’s support for Ukraine and lifting sanctions against Russia. His rating has already exceeded 7% - partially "taking" votes from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who may be forced to seek an alliance with him ahead of next year’s elections.
Former British military attaché John Forman warned: if Italy begins to waver in its support for Ukraine, it will please Moscow, which seeks to undermine European unity. The European Council on Foreign Relations has directly labeled Vannacci a Trojan horse for Russian influence in Italy.
Despite this, Forman does not consider Vannacci to be a Russian agent - in his opinion, the politician is driven not by ties to the GRU, but by his own desires regarding Russia.
Italian defense company Leonardo has already announced when it will test air defense systems in Ukraine - through a newly established Kyiv unit, it aims to deepen cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry.
In addition, Mykhailo Fedorov has become an advisor to the Italian Minister of Defense - he will help the country develop modern warfare technologies and digitize the defense sector.
Italy had secretly approved ballistic missile defense systems for Ukraine - including Aster 30 missiles, SAMP/T NG systems, and radars, some of which are planned for delivery in the coming months.
