Italy Probes Russian Role in Milan Riots, Deploys 500 Soldiers

Italian authorities are investigating whether foreign actors, including Russia, contributed to violent riots in Milan, prompting the government to send 500 soldiers to the city following weekend demonstrations. The protests, initially peaceful and aimed at economic inequality and high living costs, turned violent with masked demonstrators starting fires and looting. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has requested briefings on potential foreign provocateurs, while critics accuse the administration of exploiting the unrest politically. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the events as "hybrid warfare" using unconventional tools like social media, claiming children as young as 11-12 showed signs of "counter-education," though he provided no further details.