Italy delays Ukraine aid ahead of US midterms

ROME--Italy is holding back its next military aid package for Ukraine while awaiting the results of the US midterm elections, the Italian national daily la Repubblica reported, as disagreements rise within Prime Minster Giorgia Meloni’s coalition over her continued support for Kyiv.

  Rome wants to assess Washington’s position to the war after the Nov.3 vote before moving further, according to the report. The government has not publicly confirmed an election related pause.

  Palazzo Chigi did not immediately comment on la Repubblica's report.

  Meloni defended continued support for Ukraine on Wednesday, saying it offered the best route to peace. “I do not expect that agreed position to change,” she told a press conference after a cabinet meeting.

  Her comments followed renewed pressure from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who sought a mandate to oppose further aid at the league’s congress on Oct.25. “We cannot keep sending money and weapons to Ukraine,” he told delegates present.

  Italy also joined France, Germany, Poland and Britain in a joint declaration on Oct.26 reaffirming political, military and financial support for Ukraine,

  Kyiv has been pressing its European allies for further air defense as Russian attacks target its energy infrastructure and plants. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders this month to step up supplies of interceptor missiles.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday that the next military package was ready and would be sent as soon as possible. He gave no date for the shipment.

 

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