According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on October 16, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview with the BBC that the United States' restriction on Ukraine's satellite systems and intelligence access in order to defend against Russian attacks is "a major mistake, a complete mistake."
Crosetto warned that such actions by the US are "unjustifiable," and could potentially prolong the war rather than helping to achieve peace.
However, U.S. officials have clarified that Trump did not request a slowdown in the speed at which the United States is providing internet services to Ukraine. Trump also denied that the U.S. has stopped sharing early warning alerts about Russian attacks with Ukraine.
The BBC mentioned that Croceto's statement continued Italy's recent increasingly harsh criticism of the United States.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crostolo - Profile Picture
Earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Meloni said that Trump’s deal to purchase diesel from Russia was a “very risky choice,” and noted that it would “give legitimacy to Russia” when Russia bombed Ukrainian cities. Meloni had close ties with Trump, but their relationship deteriorated rapidly after the outbreak of the military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran at the end of February this year. Italy’s policy of keeping a distance from the conflict has caused dissatisfaction among Trump.
Although the Italian public was widely skeptical, the Melony government was from the beginning a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing military and humanitarian assistance. The details of these deliveries were kept secret.
Croseto told the BBC that as long as “this government is in power,” Italy’s military support will continue. However, he also warned that as Italian elections approach, obtaining parliamentary approval for further deployments will “become more difficult.”
Recently, like many Europeans, Italians have been dissatisfied with rising prices.
On the 16th, during a protest on the streets of Rome, people threw firecrackers. Students complained that resources were being diverted towards weapons rather than education. Some people shouted, “We want more classrooms, not more bombs.” In southern Italy, truck drivers began blocking roads in protest against rising fuel prices.
Polls show that most Italians want to end military aid to Ukraine, and only 18% support continuing the supply of weapons to Ukraine.
