Russia Weaponizing Migration: Meloni Accuses Moscow of Destabilizing Europe (Video)

Once again, hostile nations to the West are using migrants as a weapon. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly accused Russia of orchestrating illegal migration into Europe to destabilize the continent, a claim that echoes previous allegations from other European leaders. Speaking at a North-South security summit attended by leaders from Italy, Greece, Sweden, and Finland, Meloni called for urgent action to safeguard the European Union’s external borders, citing threats from both Russia and “criminal organizations.”

“We have to understand the threat is much wider than we imagine,” Meloni warned. “We want to defend external borders, and we don’t want to allow Russia or criminal organizations to undermine our security.”

A Coordinated Threat

This is not the first time Russia has faced accusations of facilitating illegal immigration to sow chaos within Europe. Poland, Finland, and other EU states have previously accused Moscow of enabling or outright orchestrating migration routes into Europe, either directly through its land borders or indirectly by using proxies in Africa to drive migrants toward the Mediterranean.

Although the Kremlin has consistently denied these allegations, the evidence cited by European nations has grown. Finland, which shares a long land border with Russia, has expressed heightened concern over migrant flows, while Italy and Greece are grappling with relentless waves of sea-borne arrivals.

Borders Under Siege

Meloni highlighted the differing challenges faced by European nations, emphasizing the need for tailored responses. “What we understood in this meeting is our borders are very different, so they need different tools,” she said. “What happens here in Finland, where a fence is useful, cannot be done in the Mediterranean.”

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described the migration influx as an “existential” issue for European nations, particularly those sharing borders with Russia. He called for collective European action, noting the pressure these threats place not only on EU member states but also on NATO allies.

Proxies and Destabilization

Beyond direct routes, Meloni and other European leaders have pointed to Russia’s alleged use of proxies in Africa to fuel migration toward Europe. By exploiting instability in African nations, Moscow is accused of creating migration waves that strain southern European countries, including Italy and Greece.

The Italian Prime Minister has pledged to work closely with the controversial European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to combat migration flows from Africa. This includes initiatives to engage with African nations and improve asylum processing systems outside EU borders. Despite challenges—such as logistical hurdles with proposed centers in Albania—Meloni remains committed to exploring innovative solutions.

A Wake-Up Call

Meloni’s warnings highlight the urgency of the dire situation. “We must understand that the threat is much greater than we think,” she said. There is a growing consensus among European leaders: the continent’s borders are under attack, not just by waves of migrants but by state actors and criminal networks weaponizing these movements to undermine European stability.

As the EU deliberates its next steps, the spotlight remains firmly on Russia and its alleged role in exploiting migration for geopolitical gains. Whether Moscow’s denials hold water or not, the impact of these migration flows on Europe’s unity, security, and future cannot be underestimated.