While In Paris, European leaders try to break the Moscow-Washington axis that decides the fate of Kiev without involving Europe, a new chapter of hybrid warfare explodes in Italy. pro-Russian hackers Group NoName057(16) have unleashed a digital offensive against ministries, banks e institutions . A targeted attack that feels like retaliation for the Sergio Mattarella's words on Ukraine, words that have infuriated the Kremlin. But it is also an indirect warning to Europe as a whole: Moscow does not tolerate uncomfortable comparisons or interference on its playing field.
Hacker attacks on Italy: transport and finance targeted
In the early hours of the morning, a barrage of DDoS attacks (distributed denial of service) against strategic Italian portals: airports including Linate e Malpensa, the Transport Authority, ports of Taranto e Trieste and several banks including Understanding St. Paul. The goal is clear: to saturate the servers until they collapse.
The National Cybersecurity Agency intervened quickly to mitigate the effects of the attacks and ensure the operational continuity of the affected platforms. “We are taking all necessary measures to contain the impact,” the Agency said in an official statement. At the moment, there are no consequences for essential services, but the alert remains high.
The claim: accusations of “Russophobia” against Mattarella
Unlike other cyber attacks, this time the hackers made their motives clear right away. On Telegram, the NoName057(16) have claimed the attacks accusing Mattarella of "Russophobia” for his speech on February 5 in Marseille. In a lectio magistralis, Mattarella reflects on the errors of Europe in the 30s: protectionism, nationalism, the failure of the League of Nations. Then the explosive comparison: “Instead of cooperation, the criterion of domination prevailed. And they were wars of conquest. This was the project of the Third Reich in Europe. Today's Russian aggression against Ukraine is of this nature”.
Moscow insists against Mattarella: "Russia and Nazi Germany? Comparison with consequences"
Words that make Moscow jump on its nerves. After days of silence, comes the furious reaction of Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, who speaks of "blasphemous inventions" and "outrageous and patently false historical parallels between the Russian Federation and Nazi Germany". Zakharova accuses the Italian Head of State of ignoring Italy's historical responsibilities and of insulting the memory of those who fought fascism. But if the goal was to make the Quirinale recant, the attempt fails: the President of the Republic Mattarella it is said "absolutely serene”, denying any direct connection between Hitler and Putin and reiterating the importance of international law.
The Italian response: a united front in defense of Mattarella
Faced with Russian insults and cyber attacks, Italian politics is rallying around Mattarella. The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks of an "offence to the entire Italian nation" and expresses "full solidarity" with the Head of State. The Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemns the “offensive words coming from Moscow” and renews its support for Mattarella, calling him “an authoritative man of peace”.
The opposition also stands united. The leader of the Democratic Party Elly Schlein speaks of an "intolerable attack", while Giuseppe Tale condemns Zakharova's statements as "intolerable and unacceptable". The only voice dissenting from the chorus, Alloy, which is limited to a brief statement by the MP Paul Formentini: “The League, always in defense of national sovereignty, expresses solidarity with the president”. A tepid comment that does not go unnoticed.
