Trump ‘completely wrong’ to restrict support for Ukraine, Italian minister tells BBC
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto says it is a serious mistake for the US to restrict Ukraine’s access to satellite services or intelligence, arguing that such limits could make Russia more confident and prolong the war. His remarks add to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent criticism of Donald Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine.
Crosetto said Italian military support would continue while Meloni’s government remains in office, although parliamentary approval for further aid may become harder as elections approach, which must be held by the end of 2027. Italy’s support comes amid domestic pressure over energy costs and opposition to military spending, while a rising far-right party led by Roberto Vannacci opposes aid to Ukraine. US officials have disputed claims that Trump ordered a slowdown of internet access or halted early-warning alerts for Ukraine.
- Crosetto says restricting US support could prolong the war.
- Italy pledges to keep aiding Ukraine under Meloni’s government.
- Election pressures and rising costs could complicate further support.
New here? Start with this
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the fighting has continued since then. Ukraine relies on support from other countries, including weapons, intelligence and satellite services that help it communicate and monitor events.
Italy is a member of NATO and the European Union, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has backed Ukraine. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto is responsible for Italy’s military policy, while Donald Trump is the US president; US support matters because American intelligence and technology have been important to Ukraine.
In Italy, further aid must pass through parliament and faces debate over public spending and the war. The issue matters to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and to relations among its supporters, while Russia’s response could affect the course of the conflict.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of continued US intelligence and satellite access argue that Ukraine needs these capabilities to defend itself and that restricting them could embolden Russia, prolong the war and weaken deterrence. They may also see sustained aid as a way to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and strengthen Europe’s security.
The case against
Those favouring limits may argue that US intelligence support risks drawing Washington deeper into the conflict and that the president should retain discretion over how American capabilities are used. With domestic demands on public spending and differing views about military aid, they may also favour pressing for a negotiated settlement rather than sustaining support without clear limits.