Rome:Italy's latest military aid package intended for Ukraine is currently on hold as the government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, awaits the results of the upcoming US midterm elections. The Italian daily La Repubblica reported that the package, which is the 13th of its kind, is prepared but has not yet received the necessary final approval.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Italian government had previously assured French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the package would be approved by October, with missile deliveries expected by the end of the month. However, the parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing intelligence services, known as Copasir, had not met to examine the decree by Monday evening.
The aid package includes Aster 30 air defense missiles, which Ukraine is seeking to protect Kyiv and other cities from Russian attacks. For the decree to pass, it requires the signatures of Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. While Crosetto and Tajani are in favor of the approval, there are hesitations from Giorgetti due to potential opposition from League leader Matteo Salvini, as reported.
The responsibility for the final decision lies with Meloni. Crosetto had privately indicated a political issue that needed to be addressed. The approval has already faced multiple delays, with initial expectations for it to be finalized by July, then September, and now postponed until after the League's party congress. The government currently prefers to wait for the US midterm elections next Tuesday to assess Washington's future stance and adjust Italy's position accordingly.
The delay is also influenced by domestic political factors, including opposition from former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to supplying arms and concerns about giving political momentum to Roberto Vannacci. Italian officials have informally requested patience from their Ukrainian counterparts, as noted in the report.