Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the BBC that the Trump administration's move to limit support for Kyiv was a serious misjudgment, arguing it would strengthen Moscow's position rather than push it toward a settlement. His comments mark one of the most direct rebukes yet from a NATO government over Washington's shifting posture on the war, now in its fourth year.
The remarks come as Ukrainian forces press a renewed offensive in the Donbas region, aiming to reclaim territory lost to Russian troops. Kyiv's military has leaned heavily on satellite communications technology to coordinate the operation, even as uncertainty over long-term Western backing has tempered confidence among Ukrainian officials and soldiers alike.
Crosetto's intervention underscores growing friction within the transatlantic alliance over how to handle Russia's invasion. European governments have largely sought to maintain or increase military and financial aid to Ukraine, framing continued support as essential to deterring further Russian aggression and preserving European security. A reduction in American commitment risks shifting more of that burden onto European capitals already strained by competing defense priorities.
The dispute reflects a broader divide in strategy: while some in Washington have pushed for a faster negotiated end to the war, European officials like Crosetto argue that easing pressure on Moscow now could reward territorial gains made through force and embolden further incursions. Italy, a NATO member and contributor to Ukraine's defense effort, has generally aligned with the broader European consensus favoring sustained assistance.
The disagreement is likely to feature prominently in upcoming diplomatic discussions among NATO and European Union members, as allies weigh how to respond to Washington's posture without fracturing a unified front against Russia. With fighting ongoing in eastern Ukraine and both sides adjusting battlefield tactics, the question of whether Western support holds steady or erodes further could prove decisive in shaping the war's next phase.