Italy delays Ukraine military aid package ahead of US midterms: Report

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Italy’s latest military aid package for Ukraine remains on hold as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government awaits the outcome of next week’s US midterm elections, Italian daily La Repubblica reported Tuesday.

The 13th package is ready but has yet to receive final approval, the newspaper said, citing government sources. Italy’s previous aid shipment to Ukraine was last December, according to the report.

Rome had assured French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that it would approve the package by October, with missile deliveries expected by the end of the month.

However, the parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence services, known as Copasir, had not convened to examine the decree as of Monday evening.

The package includes Aster 30 air defense missiles sought by Ukraine to protect Kyiv and other cities from Russian attacks.

The decree requires signatures from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.

Crosetto and Tajani support approval, while some government sources suggested Giorgetti was hesitating over potential opposition from League leader Matteo Salvini, the report said.

The final decision rests with Meloni, and Crosetto had privately warned of a political obstacle that needed resolving.

Approval has already been delayed several times, with expectations shifting from July to September and then until after the League’s party congress.

Government sources now favor waiting for the US midterm elections next Tuesday to assess Washington’s future approach and adjust Italy’s position accordingly.

Domestic political considerations are also contributing to the delay, including opposition to arms supplies from former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and concerns about giving political momentum to Roberto Vannacci.

Italian officials have informally asked their Ukrainian counterparts to remain patient, according to the report.

Necva Taştan Sevinç