Key facts
- US restrictions on Ukraine's access to satellite systems and intelligence are a "major mistake," according to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
- Crosetto warned that weakness on the Ukrainian side would embolden Russia to continue the war.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni previously called a potential diesel deal with Russia "risky."
- Italy's government has been a strong ally of Ukraine, providing military and humanitarian aid.
- Cyber-attacks linked to Russia are routine, and Europe's response has been weak, Crosetto said.
Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has stated that any US decision to limit Ukraine's access to vital satellite systems and intelligence would be a "major mistake." In an interview with the BBC, Crosetto warned that such actions, potentially influenced by President Donald Trump, could prolong Russia's invasion. He argued that showing weakness to Russia would embolden President Vladimir Putin to continue the war. Crosetto described Russia's actions in Ukraine as "evil." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also previously criticized a potential diesel deal between Italy and Russia as risky. Despite domestic public opinion and rising energy costs, the Italian government has been a strong ally of Ukraine, providing military and humanitarian aid. Crosetto indicated that cyber-attacks linked to Russia are routine and that Europe's response has been weak.