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ROME – News of a US intelligence document detailing a $300 million secret international influence campaign by the Kremlin, ahead of the election later this month, has caused alarm in Italy.
Since 2014, Russia has thrown money at policies and parties sympathetic to Moscow, according to Associated Press reports in a diplomatic cable from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent to embassies this week.
The State Department confirmed the cable’s existence, but its approach to keeping quiet about countries and parties suspected of taking Kremlin cash has led to speculation, accusations and denials in Italy.
Less than two weeks before the September 25 election, suspicions of Russian influence could hurt the prospects of right-wing or populist parties that have historically had close ties to Russia, or politicians who campaigned favorably of Putin. .
in the final elections published On Saturday, a right-wing coalition, led by the party’s far-right Brothers, was on track to secure a comfortable majority, at 25 percent.
Right-wing League leader Matteo Salvini, which has a cooperation agreement with the pro-Putin party United Russia, said he never took any money from Moscow. He said on Thursday: “I am working on Italy. The parties that are working in Russia 10 days before the election, which are about schools, health, pension and work, they have no idea about Italy.
Giuseppe Conte, leader of the 5Star Movement, who has opposed sending more weapons to Ukraine, said his party was “transparent” and had nothing to do with the Russian funding scandal. He said the alleged interference ran the risk of “polluting the election campaign with conjecture and conjecture”.
Left politicians called for naming any individuals and parties before the vote.
Benedetto della Vedova, leader of the centrist Peacock Europe party and Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, wrote on Facebook that any funding by Moscow was “very serious … and we need clarity on this before the vote.”
Asked about cable at the US State Department talks On Tuesday, spokesman Ned Price described Russia’s “election interference” as “an attempt to take away the ability of people around the world to choose the government that they represent, to represent their interests.” are best suited to represent their values. ,
He said the US intends to expose Russia’s strategy and share information with allies.
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Rome has been seeking assurances from the US about whether Italy is named in the document. Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke to Blinken on Wednesday. In a readout, Blinken’s spokesman said he “underlined the importance of maintaining solidarity and resistance in the face of Russia’s efforts to use energy and other means to divide countries that support Ukraine.”
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio “advised caution” and said his officials were “in constant contact with the US to exchange information” and called for an investigation.