Meloni vows not to abandon Ukraine support for electoral gain
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in an interview with Il Foglio that she will not give up support for Ukraine for electoral or political calculations. She framed backing for Kyiv as being in Italy's own strategic interest and warned that she would not form coalitions with forces that oppose Ukraine support ahead of elections.
Key points
- Italian PM Giorgia Meloni told Il Foglio she will not abandon Ukraine support for electoral or political calculations
- Meloni said she would not coalition with forces that vote against supporting Ukraine ahead of 2027 elections
- She stated: "I supported Ukraine not for the sake of Kyiv. I supported Ukraine for the sake of Rome"
- The warning is seen as directed at Roberto Vannacci, a former general turned far-right politician critical of EU and military aid to Ukraine
- Meloni said Russia's attempt to capture Kyiv awakened Europe from the illusion that past great risks were behind it
- Meloni defended increased defense spending despite its unpopularity among Italians
- According to Eurispes, over 44% of Italians view defense spending as a burden, while 32.1% see it as a strategic investment
Why it matters
Meloni's statement locks in Italy's continued backing for Ukraine at a moment when domestic political pressure against that stance is rising. By ruling out coalitions with forces that oppose Ukraine support, she is drawing a clear line against the far-right flank represented by Vannacci. Her explicit framing of the policy as an Italian — not Ukrainian — interest also gives her a political defense against charges that solidarity with Kyiv costs Italy at home.
What happened
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is not willing to give up support for Ukraine for electoral or political calculations ahead of upcoming elections. She stated that supporting Ukraine was a matter of Italian strategic interest, not solidarity alone: "I supported Ukraine not for the sake of Kyiv. I supported Ukraine for the sake of Rome." Meloni said she would not form a coalition with political forces that oppose Ukraine support ahead of 2027 elections, a warning widely seen as directed at Roberto Vannacci, a former general turned far-right politician who has openly criticised the EU and military aid to Ukraine. She argued that Russia's attempt to capture Kyiv had awakened Europe from the illusion that past great risks were behind it, and that the war showed the end of an era in which European countries could delegate their security to others. Meloni also defended the increase in Italian defense spending, acknowledging that the decision is unpopular with the public.
Where reporting differs
Sources differ on the timing of Italy's next elections. One Ukrainian outlet frames the political calculus around unspecified upcoming elections, while another specifies elections in 2027.
Background
Meloni's government became the longest-serving continuously serving government in the history of the Italian Republic on September 4, surpassing Mussolini's in longevity. Her ruling coalition has faced internal tensions over defense spending, particularly with the League party of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. According to Eurispes polling, over 44% of Italians view defense spending as a burden on the country, 32.1% see it as a strategic investment, and almost a quarter are undecided. Former general and far-right politician Roberto Vannacci has been openly critical of the EU and military aid to Ukraine and is seeking to capitalise on dissatisfaction with Meloni's foreign policy course.