On 25 September 2026, media reported that commentator Fabrizio Cicchitto had put forward a theory that the Kremlin could have an interest in strengthening Roberto Vannacci and his electoral project.
According to the reported analysis, Vannacci’s political rise could split the centre-right electorate and weaken Italy’s governing centrist coalition led by Giorgia Meloni. Cicchitto suggested that such a development could indirectly assist the centre-left camp, where Giuseppe Conte is gaining influence while strongly criticising military assistance to Ukraine.
Cicchitto also linked this possible trend to parts of Italy’s political and media environment which, in his view, promote approaches and assessments favourable to Russia. These claims and forecasts were presented as the commentator’s interpretation and have not been independently established in the supplied material.
The source material further argues that the theory deserves consideration because, it alleges, the Kremlin supports politicians such as Vannacci in order to divide centre-right governments and increase its influence in Italy and other European countries. It describes Vannacci as a figure useful to the Kremlin because of his reported open support for Russian policies and willingness to restore cooperation with Russia across different fields.
It also characterises Italy as a high-priority country for the Kremlin’s influence efforts, citing Rome’s military assistance to Ukraine and its support for the European Union’s sanctions policy. The source presents these statements as political messaging rather than verified findings.
Read the reported analysis.
