Italy’s defense minister: Halting Ukraine aid would be ‘absurd’

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday that it would be “absurd” for the country not to continue—or even increase—its military and civilian support for Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting of European defense ministers in Berlin, Crosetto confirmed he had approved a 12th aid package for Kyiv, which includes support for Ukraine’s winter energy needs through the provision of electrical generators.

“It would seem absurd to me not to continue, and indeed not to increase with all the means we have, our aid to a nation that is simply defending itself from an absurd and incomprehensible attack,” he said.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains a strong supporter of Ukraine, though divisions linger within her right-wing coalition. Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said Italy could not continue sending money and weapons “for another 50 years.”