Rome: Italy is considering avoiding direct purchases of US weapons to support Ukraine, despite a US push for European countries to buy its weapons, Italian media reported on Wednesday. This decision comes amidst pressure from Germany, which is urging European allies to allocate funds to buy American weapons in a bid to support Ukraine as proposed by the US. However, Italy is reportedly exploring different avenues.

According to Anadolu Agency, Italy's decision is primarily linked to its limited fiscal capacity to allocate funds for such purchases, in contrast to Germany. Sources have indicated that Italy's financial room to maneuver is "practically nonexistent." Another factor influencing Italy's stance is the technological compatibility of weapons systems already provided to Kyiv, which differ from the configurations of US weapons.

The only US arms acquisitions on Italy's agenda are a previously scheduled batch of F-35s set for delivery over the coming decade. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has also reportedly mentioned that there have been no discussions about purchasing additional American weapons.

The report highlights that Italy is not attempting to distance itself from the US or diminish its support for Ukraine but is instead exploring alternative solutions to accommodate the expectations of former US President Donald Trump. During a recent meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia's lack of progress in the Ukraine peace efforts and proposed a new arrangement. He threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days and announced that the US would manufacture and supply weapons to Ukraine via NATO, with the cost to be borne entirely by European allies.