ROME – A circular was sent round the Italian military to say due to "evolutions on the international chessboard," implying the war in Ukraine, there would be extra training given and the number of soldiers on leave should be minimised so as to have the "maximum means available" should it be required, said Ansa.

 The letter, which was sent out March 9 and later made public by the Communist Refoundation Party, outlines war-orientated trainings and preparations to ensure tracked vehicles, helicopters and weapons systems can be readied to maximum efficiency in response to "known events."

 Furthermore, the annual leave of the military personnel is to be "carefully evaluated," as “every possible effort must be made so that the valuable skills can be available.”

 The terms specified in the circular are to be implemented "with immediate effect."

 Communist Refoundation Party Secretary Maurizio Acerbo, and Head of Peace Gregorio Piccin, Head of Peace commented on the letter as they publicised it. "Citizens are kept in the dark," the pair wrote. "Anyone who has served in the military for the past 30 years has never seen a circular in this tone."

 “Our army is preparing to fight, and this is a clear demonstration that our country is already a co-belligerent party in the ongoing conflict." The far-left party emphasised the need to stop the spiral of war.

  The Army General Staff stated the circular was “for internal use only of a routine nature.” It is a document, added the General Staff, "with which the Armed Force Summit adjusts the priorities of the Army units, in order to respond to the needs dictated by the changes in the international context."

ak-ln