The Italian government has approved a decree extending military assistance to Ukraine through 2026, formalizing a coalition compromise after weeks of internal debate that exposed divisions over foreign policy within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration.
The decision follows threats from the far-right League party to abstain from supporting the measure—an action that could have intensified disagreements over Italy’s stance on the war in Ukraine. The League previously maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to Reuters.
League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini had argued that additional military aid could fuel corruption in Kyiv and would not contribute to ending the war. Critics accused him of echoing Kremlin narratives.
The newly approved decree closely resembles legislation adopted over the past three years, stating that Italy will continue transferring military vehicles, equipment, and materials to Ukraine.
However, the League noted a significant change compared to the 2025 decree. According to the party, the new text prioritizes logistics and medical supplies for civilian use, as well as defensive equipment to protect against missile, cyber, and drone attacks.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet released the full text of the decree.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, leader of the Forza Italia party, welcomed the legislation, which must be approved by Parliament within two months.
“It is an absolutely balanced decree, consistent with previous ones. Italy will continue to support Ukraine militarily, economically, financially, and politically,” Tajani was quoted as saying by Corriere della Sera.
