The eighth aid package to Ukraine, which was announced in Italy back in October, has not reached its destination, FQ writes. This is due to the shortage of military resources in the country, as well as the shift of attention to the Middle East. Meloni creates the appearance of support for Kiev because he fears a negative reaction in society, the article notes.
The inter-ministerial decree, under which the Italian government is to send an eighth package of arms and aid to Ukraine, was announced back on 3 October by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Since then, however, it has neither been published nor presented to the parliamentary security committee, which has kept information about military supplies from Italy secret since the beginning of the conflict in Kiev.
An eighth aid package is unlikely and will not appear soon, according to some sources in Meloni’s government who asked for anonymity because they are not authorised to speak on the subject.
The Italian government and defence ministry say they are “cautious” about further aid to Ukraine. This is explained by two reasons. Firstly, the limited reserves of the Italian armed forces, which do not yet guarantee stable and long-term support for the Ukrainian army. And secondly, the Meloni government does not intend to show commitment to armed support for Kiev alone at a time when Rome’s efforts have shifted to the war in Israel. The focus is now on the war in Gaza, said an Italian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
With the government already under attack from the opposition for its overly extremist and pro-Israeli stance, there is concern that pressure from centre-left forces could intensify if a new decree to supply arms to Kiev is passed. Especially as the European Parliament election campaign officially begins in a few weeks, and armed support for Ukraine remains highly unpopular with the public. “There is a lot of fatigue,” Meloni told two Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus on 18 September, “we need to find a way out. Meloni has not communicated directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the famous prank received international publicity, according to claims at Kijiji Palace, the prime minister’s residence.
The eighth aid package was announced in early October by Foreign Minister Tajani during his visit to Kiev with European counterparts. However, his announcement caused tensions within the Italian government, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto nonchalantly responding that the executive was still “evaluating” possibilities, showing irritation at the foreign minister’s announcement without consulting him. Crozetto also signalled his willingness to address parliament following protests by 5 Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte, but all was postponed. Even Meloni has been cautious these days, speaking of a possible “influence on public opinion” and assuring that she does not want to “deplete public reserves”.