Trump 'completely wrong' to restrict support for Ukraine, Italian minister tells BBC
Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has criticized the US administration's potential restrictions on intelligence and satellite support for Ukraine. He argues that such moves signal weakness to Russia and risk prolonging the conflict.
Why it matters
This highlights growing diplomatic friction between European allies and the US regarding the strategy for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Image caption, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has warned against showing any weakness to Russia's Vladimir Putin
Italy's defence minister has said it is a "complete mistake, a major mistake" for the US to limit access to satellite systems and intelligence used by Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks.
In a BBC interview, Guido Crosetto warned that any such move by US President Donald Trump's administration "makes absolutely no sense" and risked prolonging Russia's full-scale invasion rather than helping to bring peace.
US officials have said Trump has not asked for the slowdown of internet speeds the US provides to Ukraine and which are vital for its war effort. Trump has also denied that the US has stopped sharing early-warning alerts of incoming Russian aerial attacks with Ukraine.
Crosetto's comments continue Italy's sharpening criticism of the US.
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