Meloni Delays Military Aid to Ukraine Ahead of US Midterm Elections
World
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is delaying the dispatch of the 13th military aid package for Ukraine as Italy awaits the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for 3 November. Italian media report that the package is ready, but the date of its delivery to Kyiv remains uncertain.
According to Il Giornale d’Italia, shipments of Italian weapons to Ukraine have been postponed several times since the previous delivery in December 2025. The delay puts commitments discussed by Meloni with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky under pressure. Rome continues to publicly affirm its support for Kyiv but has not specified when deliveries will resume.
On 27 October, La Repubblica reported that the dispatch of the 13th package had been postponed for the third time. It includes Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, which Italy and France had promised to deliver to Ukraine by the end of October. Approval requires the signatures of Italy’s ministers of defence, foreign affairs and economy, followed by consideration by Copasir, the parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence services.
The newspaper linked the delay to disagreements within Italy’s governing coalition and the wait for the US election results. In August, Politico also reported divisions within the coalition over Ukraine. The League party opposed further arms deliveries to Kyiv and an increase in defence spending.
Over the past four years, Italy has supplied Ukraine with weapons worth approximately €3 billion. However, the continuation of military assistance remains a subject of domestic political debate.
The US midterm congressional elections will take place on 3 November. Italian media suggest their outcome could affect the timeline for a decision on the new aid package. No official dispatch date has been announced, while the Italian government continues to state its support for Ukraine.
On 27 October, La Repubblica reported that the dispatch of the 13th package had been postponed for the third time. It includes Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles, which Italy and France had promised to deliver to Ukraine by the end of October. Approval requires the signatures of Italy’s ministers of defence, foreign affairs and economy, followed by consideration by Copasir, the parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence services.
The newspaper linked the delay to disagreements within Italy’s governing coalition and the wait for the US election results. In August, Politico also reported divisions within the coalition over Ukraine. The League party opposed further arms deliveries to Kyiv and an increase in defence spending.
Over the past four years, Italy has supplied Ukraine with weapons worth approximately €3 billion. However, the continuation of military assistance remains a subject of domestic political debate.
The US midterm congressional elections will take place on 3 November. Italian media suggest their outcome could affect the timeline for a decision on the new aid package. No official dispatch date has been announced, while the Italian government continues to state its support for Ukraine.
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