What happened in this Geopolitics story?

Italy's defence minister told the BBC that the US limiting satellite and intelligence support to Ukraine is a 'complete mistake' that risks prolonging Russia's invasion, as Italy's government sharpens its criticism of Trump's policy toward Kyiv.

What is a key fact in this story? (1)

**Guido Crosetto**, Italy's defence minister, said it was a 'complete mistake, a major mistake' for the US to limit Ukraine's access to satellite systems and intelligence, warning the move 'makes absolutely no sense' and could prolong Russia's full-scale invasion.

What is a key fact in this story? (2)

**Crosetto** argued that depriving Ukraine of resources signals weakness to Putin, who 'will believe he can win' and continue the war, though Trump has denied asking for satellite access to be suspended.

Italy Slams US Curbs on Ukraine as 'Complete Mistake' — SkimNews

By BBC World · Summarized & edited by Kapil Samant · 2026-10-16

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Guido Crosetto, Italy's defence minister, said it was a 'complete mistake, a major mistake' for the US to limit Ukraine's access to satellite systems and intelligence, warning the move 'makes absolutely no sense' and could prolong Russia's full-scale invasion.
Crosetto argued that depriving Ukraine of resources signals weakness to Putin, who 'will believe he can win' and continue the war, though Trump has denied asking for satellite access to be suspended.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this week called Trump's deal to buy diesel from Russia a 'very risky choice' that 'grant[s] Russia legitimacy' while it bombs Ukrainian cities, a sharp turn for a leader once dubbed a 'Trump whisperer.'
Crosetto vowed Italian military support would continue 'for as long as this government is in place,' but warned that winning parliamentary approval for further deliveries would become 'more difficult' as Italy faces elections by the end of 2027.
A September Ixè institute poll found just 18% of Italians support continuing to supply arms to Ukraine, with Crosetto blaming an active Russian disinformation campaign targeting 'certain political figures' to shift public opinion.
Roberto Vannacci, leader of the far-right Futuro Nazionale party polling ahead of Meloni's coalition partners, is openly sympathetic to Russia and opposes Ukrainian aid, arguing Europe's money is wasted as Russia's military 'continues to advance.'
Crosetto said cyber-attacks linked to Russia are now routine in Europe — 'hundreds every day' — and accused Europe of being 'too weak' in its response, telling the BBC 'you can't win a war if you don't fight back.'

Why it matters: Italy, one of Trump's closest European allies, is publicly breaking with his Ukraine policy on two fronts — satellite/intelligence restrictions and the Russian diesel deal — as Meloni's coalition faces an election by end-2027 with only 18% of Italians backing continued arms supplies. With the far-right Futuro Nazionale gaining ground on a Russia-friendly platform, Crosetto's stark moral framing ('I can only describe that as evil') signals Rome will keep arming Kyiv even as the political ground at home erodes.