Italy’s upcoming national election faces an unexpected dynamic as Roberto Vannacci, a far-right former military attaché known for his Kremlin-aligned views, gains traction among voters. Vannacci, who recently launched his party Futuro Nazionale after departing the League led by Matteo Salvini, has emerged as a vocal critic of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s staunchly pro-Ukraine stance, raising concerns about potential shifts in Italy’s foreign policy.

This summer, as Italy grappled with petrol prices reaching a three-year high, Vannacci attributed the spike to Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, urging Italy to halt military and financial support to Kyiv. His statements, which echo Moscow’s narratives, come amid broader economic unease and a segment of Italian public opinion that favors reducing tensions with Russia.

Vannacci’s positions challenge Meloni’s government, which has persistently backed Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Recent polls suggest Futuro Nazionale has secured about 7.6 percent support, drawing voters from Meloni’s right-wing base and complicating predictions about the election outcome. Political analysts note that without Vannacci’s emergence, Meloni’s re-election appeared more assured.

Speculation about Russian influence behind Vannacci’s rise has intensified, especially since Meloni pressured Salvini, once openly admiring Vladimir Putin, to align with her pro-Ukraine policy. The European Council on Foreign Relations described Vannacci as a “Trojan horse for Russian influence inside Italy,” warning that his participation in Meloni’s coalition could disrupt the European Union’s security consensus by blocking defense initiatives and undermining sanctions against Russia.

Although a deputy foreign minister from Meloni’s party suggested hopes for Vannacci to join the governing coalition, this was later characterized as a personal and rhetorical comment. Vannacci himself declined to comment on allegations of Kremlin ties. His party insists on supporting peace in Ukraine, advocating for reopening trade channels with Russia to alleviate energy costs, and calls for reevaluating Italy’s international obligations, including financial contributions.

Vannacci’s controversial positions extend beyond foreign policy. His 2023 self-published book, The World Upside Down, criticizes feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and ethnic diversity, while praising Russia and promoting traditionalist social values. This publication led to his suspension and eventual departure from the Italian military.

Vannacci’s connection to Russia dates back to his tenure as Italy’s military attaché in Moscow beginning in early 2021. Colleagues and foreign observers recall him as favoring cooperation with Russia and viewing it not as a threat but as a strategic partner. His personal affinity for Russian culture is supported by his Romanian wife, Camelia Mihailescu, who has spoken positively about their time living in Moscow.

Despite evidence of Russian military preparations before the invasion of Ukraine, Vannacci reportedly doubted that Russia would launch an attack, reflecting a misreading shaped by his sympathies. After the invasion commenced, he predicted a swift Russian military advance. In May 2022, he was among twenty-four Italian diplomats expelled from Moscow amid diplomatic tensions.

Since transitioning to politics and the European Parliament, Vannacci has continued to advocate for dialogue with Putin, critiqued the EU’s characterization of Russia as a security threat, and linked Italy’s economic difficulties to its estrangement from Moscow, once a key energy supplier and buyer of Italian goods.

As election season unfolds, Vannacci’s blend of nationalist rhetoric, pro-Russian sentiment, and economic grievances signals a potentially destabilizing factor in Italy’s political landscape and its foreign relations within Europe.