Italy stops participation in military aid program for Ukraine

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that amid discussions on a potential peace deal, supplying weapons may no longer be needed.

According to him, if fighting were to stop, Kyiv would primarily need security guarantees rather than new batches of US-made weapons.

"If we reach an agreement and fighting ceases, weapons won’t be needed anymore. Other things, such as security guarantees, will be needed," Tajani told journalists in Brussels.

This move is the clearest signal yet that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is shifting its stance on supporting Ukraine. Previously, Rome had constrained its defense budget for months, faced internal coalition disagreements, and then adopted a more cautious approach to weapons deliveries.

Italy has effectively become the first EU country to openly express reluctance to supply additional weapons to Kyiv during sensitive diplomatic negotiations.

The decision now raises questions about coordination within the Alliance and could intensify debates over each country's responsibilities amid ongoing Russian aggression.

Fortunately, Italy's recent statement contrasts with the positions of European defense companies and many NATO allies, who stress that even a potential ceasefire should not slow support for Ukraine or defense production. Kyiv has previously warned that it will need at least €1 billion in additional weapons this winter under the PURL program to sustain its defense.

Military aid to Ukraine from allies

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies should allocate at least $1 billion per month for US weapons for Ukraine.

This statement followed Ukraine's request for European allies to provide additional billions of euros by the end of the year.

It was also reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump approved the first two packages of military aid to Ukraine under the PURL program.