Featured image: A satellite dish is mounted on a metal pole against a gray concrete wall. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, says US moves to limit Ukraine’s access to intelligence are ‘a complete mistake’. Source: bbc.co.uk.
Defence Minister Challenges US Policy
Crosetto says cutting satellite and intelligence access harms Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
“If [Putin] sees weakness on the Ukrainian side — and if the US deprives Ukraine of resources, that creates weakness — then he will believe he can win. So he will continue the war,” Crosetto said.
He calls the move ‘completely wrong’ and warns it could extend Russia’s invasion instead of ending it.
The comments come as US officials say President Trump has not asked to slow internet speeds or stop early-warning alerts to Ukraine.
Italy’s Stronger Stance on Ukraine
Since 2022, Italy has provided consistent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
While details are classified, Crosetto says support will continue as long as his government remains in power.
But getting parliament to approve more aid will grow harder as the 2027 election nears.
Public Opinion and Domestic Tensions
Protests in Rome show growing public frustration.
Students threw firecrackers and chanted: ‘We want more classroom, not more bombs.’
Truckers in southern Italy block roads, citing rising fuel prices as a key concern.
Political Divisions Within Italy
The far-right party Futuro Nazionale opposes Ukraine aid.
Its leader, Roberto Vannacci, says Europe wastes money and claims Russia‘s military is still advancing.
Vannacci calls himself ‘neither pro-Putin nor pro-Russian’ but ‘pro-Italian’.
Crosetto dismissed questions about Vannacci’s influence, but acknowledged such views exist.
Italy’s Security Concerns and Disinformation
Crosetto says Moscow runs a disinformation campaign targeting political figures.
It aims to weaken public support for Ukraine and shift opinion against Western efforts.
He says it’s hard to explain to citizens struggling with fuel costs that no concessions to Russia are possible.
Security Incidents and Cyber Threats
Italy hasn’t faced major sabotage, unlike some European allies.
A fire at a Rome arms depot in August was due to ‘human stupidity’, not arson.
Crosetto denies reports that Russia planned drone attacks on Italy, France, and Spain from Mediterranean ships.
But he says cyber-attacks linked to Russia now happen ‘hundreds every day’.
He says Europe has responded too slowly and stresses: ‘You can’t win a war… if you don’t fight back.’
Context: Italy’s Position in the War
Italy is geographically distant from Ukraine.
It has long business ties to Russia and a tradition of neutrality.
Unlike Poland or the Baltics, Italy does not face direct Russian attacks.
Why This Matters
Italy’s stance shows the tension between international duty and domestic concerns.
Its criticism of US policy adds to doubts about Western support for Ukraine.
As the war continues, such debates will shape both foreign policy and public trust.
Additional reporting from Rome by Davide Ghiglione.
Original source
- Trump Claims Energy Ceasefire with Russia; Ukraine Responds
- Trump Claims Ukraine and Russia Agreed to Energy Ceasefire
- Ukraine’s Energy Sites Hit Amid Trump’s Ceasefire Claim
- Trump Denies Limiting Ukraine’s Access to Starshield
- Ukraine’s Former Top General Claims Russia’s Offensive Ability Is Broken
