Italy calls US weakening of Ukraine a "major mistake", says Putin cannot be stopped this way

What Happened

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in a BBC interview, as reported by European Pravda, that the US decision to restrict Ukraine's access to satellite systems and intelligence used for self-defence against Russian attacks is "a complete mistake, a major mistake." Crosetto warned that such a move by President Donald Trump's administration would "make absolutely no sense" and could prolong Russia's full-scale invasion by convincing Vladimir Putin he can win: "Peace will come when Putin is convinced there is a stalemate... If [Putin] sees weakness on the Ukrainian side – and if the US deprives Ukraine of resources, that creates weakness – then he will believe he can win. So he will continue the war." Crosetto said Italy's military support for Ukraine would continue "for as long as this government is in place," while acknowledging that securing parliamentary approval for further deliveries would become more difficult as elections approach. The remarks came amid broader Italian criticism: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Trump's deal to buy diesel fuel from Russia "a choice that I consider very risky" and said she does not miss seeing Russian tanks in European countries.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The remarks highlight a public rift within the Western coalition backing Ukraine, as a senior NATO ally's defence minister frames reduced US intelligence and satellite support as strategically self-defeating. Crosetto's assertion that weakening Ukraine emboldens Putin to continue the invasion challenges the US administration's approach and signals that key European governments may resist or criticise shifts in US policy. Meloni's separate criticism of a US-Russia diesel deal adds economic and energy-security friction, potentially complicating allied coordination on sanctions and military aid.

Watch For

Monitor Italian parliamentary proceedings on further military aid packages to Ukraine as elections approach, any formal US confirmation or reversal of the reported satellite and intelligence restrictions, and whether other NATO or EU leaders echo Crosetto's criticism. Also watch for responses from Kyiv and Moscow to the reported US policy shift and any diplomatic engagements between Rome and Washington.