Putin 'participating' in Italian election says Letta

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 21 - Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico Letta on Wednesday alleged that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "participating" in Italy's general election and is hoping for a centre-right victory this Sunday.
    "The idea of giving in to Putin's blackmail is crazy," Letta said.
    "I hope that the September 25 election is also a vote about this and that the Italian people don't vote for Putin's friends.
    "Putin is participating in the September 25 election and he will be the first one to look at the result and try to understand if it is positive or negative for him.
    "If the right wins, Putin will be the first to celebrate.
    "You are either here or there, either with Putin or with Europe.
    "The Italian right is extremely ambiguous about this issue and this is very negative for our country because Europe will not be ambiguous." Outgoing Premier Mario Draghi said last week that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told him that no Italian names featured in a US intelligence report on Russian funding to foreign parties and politicians.
    The report that Russia has given over $300 million to foreign parties, officials and politicians in more than 20 countries since 2014 caused a furore during the Italian election campaign.
    Salvini expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin several times in the past, but he has said he changed his mind after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
    Forza Italia leader and ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi also had friendly relations with Putin in the past.
    While Berlusconi has said Italy must stand together with its Western allies in relation to sanctions on Russia, Salvini has expressed reservations about them. (ANSA).