Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed full solidarity with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, who fell victim to pro-Russian hackers in early November, and offered him Kyiv's assistance in countering cyber threats. The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry wrote about this on his X social media account, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. According to Sybiha, malicious acts of cybercrime and intimidation directed against Tajani and his family require a decisive and coordinated response from European countries.
Offer to Share Cyber Defense Expertise
Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine possesses significant experience of its own in countering such cyberattacks and is ready to share it with partners. "Cyber threats and malicious attacks know no borders and require a decisive, coordinated reaction... Together we are stronger in defending Europe, strengthening the resilience of our societies, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and confidential data," the Ukrainian minister wrote. He also added that those attempting to intimidate European leaders will only strengthen the resolve of partner countries to stand together.
Context of the Attack on the Italian Minister
On November 7, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that pro-Russian hackers had published his personal data on the dark web and were attempting to intimidate members of his family. According to the Italian diplomat, the reason for the attacks was his clear and principled stance in support of Ukraine and the defense of a sovereign state's freedom. Tajani emphasized that he will not submit to intimidation by malicious actors and will continue to uphold his country's position. Earlier in October, hackers attacked the information systems of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, affecting the mailboxes of a number of parliamentarians and electronic correspondence.
Discussion of Cyber Threats at the G7 Meeting in Paris
Sybiha supported Tajani's proposal to raise the issue of cyber threats at the meeting of G7 foreign ministers to be held in Paris. The Ukrainian minister confirmed that he will join this summit. Thus, the topic of European states' cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure from pro-Russian hacker groups is moving to the level of multilateral diplomatic negotiations within the G7 framework.
Broader Context: Cyberwar as a Pressure Tool
The attack on Tajani has become one of the latest episodes in a series of cyber operations aimed at European politicians and state institutions that publicly support Ukraine. The Ukrainian side, having survived large-scale cyberattacks on its own infrastructure over years of war, positions itself as an expert partner in the field of cyber defense. Sybiha's offer to share experience underscores Kyiv's desire not only to receive support, but also to demonstrate its role in ensuring the security of the European space.
