In brief
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has called President Trump’s potential restriction of satellite intelligence to Ukraine a complete mistake, arguing it could prolong Russia’s war and give the Kremlin a stronger hand. He warned that limiting Ukraine’s access to early‑warning alerts and Starlink internet would inspire Putin to continue the conflict. Crosetto cited the recent US deal to buy Russian diesel and criticised Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s stance. Italy remains a strong ally, pledging further support to Ukraine though parliament approvals face new challenges. The minister also highlighted domestic protests and economic pressures in Italy linked to the war.
Italy’s defence minister has said it is a "complete mistake, a major mistake" for the US to limit access to satellite systems and intelligence used by Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks.In a BBC interview, Guido Crosetto warned that any move by President Donald Trump’s administration "makes absolutely no sense" and could prolong Russia’s full‑scale invasion rather than bring peace.US officials have denied that Trump has requested a slowdown of internet speeds that Ukraine relies on or stopped providing early‑warning alerts of incoming Russian aerial attacks. Trump has also denied the US has halted the transfer of other relevant data.Crosetto’s comments deepen Italy’s growing criticism of the US, especially after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Trump’s diesel purchase from Russia a "very risky choice" that would legitimately empower Putin while airstrikes continue.Meloni, once dubbed a "Trump whisperer", said the fuel deal ran counter to efforts to bring Putin to the negotiating table.Crosetto, co‑founder of Meloni’s Fratelli d'Italia party, warned that if Ukraine shows weakness, Russia will believe it can win and continue the war.He added that depriving Ukraine of resources creates the very weakness the Russian agenda seeks.Despite the criticism, Italy remains a strong ally, sending both military and humanitarian aid, though delivery details remain classified.The defence minister vowed that Italy would continue support as long as the current government remains, though parliamentary approval will be more difficult with elections looming.He noted rising domestic protests and economic pressures in Italy, with truckers blocking roads over fuel price hikes and polls showing limited support for ongoing arms supplies.Crosetto blamed Moscow for disinformation campaigns targeted at shifting public opinion, stressing the need to defend citizens against Russian aggression.
