Italian Foreign Minister says pro‑Russian hackers posted his data online over Italy’s Ukraine support

What Happened

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said pro‑Russian hackers posted his personal data on the dark web on Saturday, linking the breach to Italy’s support for Ukraine. The leak was reported on November 7, 2026. Tajani, who also serves as Italy’s deputy prime minister, saw his picture appear among a list of 18 “citizens hostile to the Russian Federation”, which included cybersecurity experts. Reuters screenshots showed the list in a Tor‑accessible part of the dark web that cybersecurity authorities monitor.

Reaction

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed Tajani and called the sale of confidential information about public officials “a matter of serious concern”. Tajani wrote on X that Italy’s open backing of Ukraine’s freedom and independence made him a target. He added that the hackers were trying to obtain more details about him and his family and were even willing to pay for it.

Investigation

A source close to the minister told Reuters that further investigations are under way. Italian cybersecurity agencies are tracing the origin of the breach while alerting other officials. Moscow has not commented, and Russia continues to deny any involvement in cyberattacks abroad. Tajani described the attacks as a response to the Foreign Ministry’s recent steps to strengthen cybersecurity.

Context

Cyberattacks tied to geopolitical disputes have risen as nations use the internet to pressure opponents. Publishing personal data on the dark web can be used to intimidate officials and expose them to further threats.