Ukraine will never be able to achieve a military victory over Russia, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has said, offering a different interpretation of what a Ukrainian victory could realistically mean, the BBC reports.

Crosetto dismissed the idea that Ukraine could defeat Russia on the battlefield. He explained that some people in Italy had interpreted predictions of a Ukrainian victory as suggesting that Vladimir Zelensky could eventually march into Moscow carrying the Ukrainian flag. The minister stressed that such an outcome was impossible.

Instead, Crosetto argued that victory for Ukraine would mean the withdrawal of Russian troops, an end to military strikes and the restoration of conditions allowing Ukrainians to live freely and determine their own future.

The defense minister also highlighted a growing contradiction between public sentiment in Italy and the government’s policy toward Kyiv.

According to Crosetto, most Italians oppose providing further assistance to Ukraine. Nevertheless, Rome continues to support the Ukrainian government.

He acknowledged that explaining the need to help Ukrainians resist is difficult, particularly when military assistance is portrayed as opposition to peace. However, Crosetto insisted that supporting Ukraine does not mean rejecting a peaceful settlement.

The minister also argued that political leaders should not simply follow public opinion when they believe it is wrong.

Despite domestic opposition, Italy has already delivered 12 aid packages to Ukraine, Crosetto confirmed. Rome also plans to provide another package before the end of 2026.