Italy delays military aid to Ukraine with air defense missiles – media

Italy has not yet approved the 13th military aid package to Ukraine, which is to include Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems. According to Italian media, Prime Minister Giorgia Malone may postpone the decision until after the US midterm elections, which will be held on November 3.

This is reported by La Repubblica, citing sources in the Italian government.

A new aid package is ready, but its approval is being delayed by disagreements within the government coalition. In particular, the League party led by Matteo Salvini opposes further arms supplies to Ukraine.

According to journalists, the Italian authorities want to wait for the results of the American elections to understand what the further policy of the Donald Trump administration will be towards Ukraine.

Initially, the new aid package was planned to be agreed in July, then the decision was postponed to September, and later to October. The last time Italy transferred military aid to Ukraine was in December 2025.

At the same time, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on October 26 that Rome would continue to support Ukraine and would send the next aid package as soon as possible.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also assured that Italy will not change its position on supporting Ukraine, as Russian aggression threatens the security of all of Europe.