Understand
Italian Defence Minister says US restrictions on Ukraine support are completely wrong
Overview
Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, has criticized US President Donald Trump's administration for limiting access to satellite systems and intelligence used by Ukraine, warning that it risks prolonging the war by showing weakness to Russia. The remarks follow other Italian criticisms of US policy, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's objections to a Russian diesel deal. Despite domestic economic pressures and public skepticism regarding military aid in Italy, Crosetto vowed that Italian support for Ukraine will continue.
Key points
- Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described US limits on Ukraine's access to satellite systems and intelligence as a major mistake.
- Crosetto warned that depriving Ukraine of resources creates weakness, which will encourage Vladimir Putin to continue the war.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni previously criticized a US-brokered deal to buy diesel from Russia as a risky choice that grants Moscow legitimacy.
- Crosetto confirmed that Italian military support for Ukraine will continue for as long as the current government is in place.
- Opinion polls in Italy show widespread public opposition to military aid, driven by rising energy costs and historical ties to Moscow, though the government remains a staunch ally of Kyiv.