Italian political crisis could mean trouble for Ukraine

“The Russians are right now celebrating having made another western government fall,” said Di Maio.

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“Now I doubt we can send arms (to Ukraine). It is one of the many serious problems.”

Di Maio noted that even if the current Italian government – led by PM Mario Draghi – resigns, the cabinet will continue on in a caretaker capacity.

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This would curtail the government’s power, precluding Rome from providing further security assistance to Ukraine, tackling the impeding cost-of-living crisis in Italy, or signing much-needed natural gas deals, as Russia blackmails Europe with threats to cut off gas supply.

The minister said that Draghi was one of the key Western leaders, who staunchly opposed Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Draghi tended in his resignation on July 14, only for Italian President Sergio Mattarella to refuse it. Mattarella suggested Draghi should attempt to form a new coalition in the parliament.

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Italian populist political party Five Star Movement (M5S) precipitated the crisis by leaving the governing coalition, due to dissatisfaction with Draghi’s proposal on providing Italians with economic relief measures. Many EU countries are faced with rapidly rising living costs, as Russia instigates energy shortages on the continent.

Di Maio left M5S on June 22, over some wings of the party refusing to support Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.