Italy delays new military aid package for Ukraine as Meloni awaits US midterms, media report

Italy's last military aid shipment to Ukraine was approximately 10 months ago, in December 2025, according to the reports.

The next package is described as ready, but no delivery date has been set. A decision was initially expected in July, then September, before being postponed again.

The US midterm elections have now become the latest political milestone in the process, although the reports do not specify which election outcome could prompt Meloni to approve the shipment. There is also no indication that the package will be released immediately after the vote.

The delay could also jeopardize a commitment Meloni made to French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the newspapers reported. They did not provide details of the commitment or its implementation timeline.

Meloni's government continues to reaffirm its support for Ukraine, and there has been no announcement that Italy intends to end military assistance.

The prolonged delay comes amid political disagreements within Italy's governing coalition over continued support for Kyiv.

Italy approved its 12th military aid package for Ukraine in December 2025. Its contents were not publicly disclosed, although it was expected to focus on ammunition and missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems.