Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed alarm over Russia’s shift of military assets from Syria to Libya, warning that the presence of Russian ships and submarines in the Mediterranean is a growing security risk. With Russian forces now closer to Italy, Crosetto called the situation “concerning,” stressing the proximity of these assets rather than their previous distance.
Crosetto also noted that Russia’s intensified attacks in Ukraine suggest no immediate prospects for a ceasefire, highlighting Moscow’s determination to solidify its position. He reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, particularly under a UN-led mission in Ukraine.
Addressing NATO defense spending, Crosetto acknowledged Italy’s progress in meeting NATO’s 2% defense spending target but emphasized the need for further increases, anticipating pressure from the US for NATO members to reach 2.5% by 2025.
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