Sunday, 18 October 2026 · Full edition

Italian defence minister says Trump is 'completely wrong' to restrict Ukraine support

What happened

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the BBC that potential US restrictions on support for Ukraine risk prolonging the conflict. Crosetto characterized any effort to limit such aid as a strategic error, arguing it hinders the path toward ending the full-scale invasion.

Why it matters

The public rebuke by a senior NATO-member minister underscores growing anxiety within Europe regarding the future of US military commitments. Such friction signals potential instability in the unified Western front and complicates long-term strategic planning for regional defense.

Bigger picture

Diverging national priorities among Western allies threaten the cohesion of collective defense strategies. Persistent disputes over the nature and duration of military aid portfolios can create openings for strategic recalibrations by opposing forces.

Watch next

Monitor for formal responses from the US political establishment and shifts in European defense budgets or coalition unity following these remarks.

Original source
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