Italy's 13th Ukraine Aid Package Stalled by US Election Watch

Italy is holding its 13th military aid package for Ukraine pending the outcome of the United States midterm elections. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has frozen the dispatch of the shipment, which is fully prepared but lacks an approved transfer schedule to Kyiv.

The last Italian weapons arrived in Ukraine ten months ago. The Italian government states that the pause does not mean aid has stopped entirely. However, the transfer has faced repeated delays. The timeline first shifted from July to September. It then stalled while waiting for the League party congress. Now, the focus has turned to the American political calendar.

Journalists report that these delays are creating tension inside Palazzo Chigi, the Italian prime minister's office. The holdup puts at risk commitments Meloni made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Officials have not provided a delivery date or a list of specific obstacles blocking the package.

The Italian government continues to publicly state that support for Ukraine will continue. Yet, there is no indication which election result would trigger a decision. No date has been set for dispatching the aid immediately after the vote. The lack of clarity has left the package in a state of limbo.

Political friction within the government adds to the uncertainty. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini previously argued that further aid could fuel corruption. After his re-election as party leader, Salvini promised to do everything in his power to halt Italy's economic and military support for Ukraine.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded to these tensions on October 26. He stated that the new package had already been finalized and would soon be sent to Ukraine. Despite this assurance, the physical transfer remains paused until the US election results are in.