Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed on Wednesday that Italy successfully repelled a series of cyberattacks, reportedly originating from Russia, targeting the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics and foreign ministry offices. The attacks coincided with heightened security measures ahead of the Games’ opening ceremony.
The attacks affected foreign ministry offices, including one in Washington, and Olympic-related infrastructure such as hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo. A Russian hacker group, Noname057, claimed responsibility via Telegram, citing Italy’s support for Ukraine as the motive.
The group stated that its distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks temporarily blocked access to several hotel websites. AFP could not independently verify the claim, though cybersecurity analysts reported similar activity online. At least one affected hotel site remained inaccessible on Wednesday afternoon.
Security operations have deployed approximately 6,000 police officers and nearly 2,000 military personnel across venues stretching from Milan to the Dolomites. Measures include bomb disposal teams, snipers, counterterrorism units, and ski patrol officers.
The defence ministry has provided 170 vehicles, radar systems, drones, and aircraft. Special attention is focused on Milan, where world leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance, are expected for Friday’s opening ceremony.
Concerns have emerged over the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi clarified that ICE personnel will remain within US diplomatic facilities and will not conduct street patrols or any law enforcement activity.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala criticised their presence, describing them as “not welcome.” Piantedosi emphasised that ICE officers’ role is strictly advisory, focusing on intelligence related to transnational threats, particularly cybercrime.
US Ambassador to Italy Tilman J. Fertitta confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents will provide intelligence support without any operational authority.
Public dissent continues, with a US-sponsored hospitality venue linked to American skating federations renaming itself from “Ice House” to “Winter House” following backlash. Protests are expected during the opening weekend, including demonstrations against Israel’s participation over the Gaza conflict.
Environmental concerns have also been raised over the impact of infrastructure and the extensive use of artificial snow in fragile mountain regions.
