Italy has spent months holding back its next shipment of weapons to Ukraine. Although the 13th military aid package is ready, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has still not authorized its delivery. Italian officials had promised to approve the shipment by the end of October, but no final decision has been made, La Repubblica reports.

The delay is tied to the upcoming US congressional elections, according to the newspaper. Rome intends to wait until the November 3 midterms before deciding how to proceed with its policy toward Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Kiev has received no new shipments of Italian weapons since December 2025. The next batch of military equipment has already been prepared, but the paperwork required to release it remains unapproved.

The holdup is particularly painful for Ukraine when it comes to Aster 30 air defense missiles. Both Italy and France could supply these interceptors, but their delivery has also been delayed.

Despite the prolonged suspension of shipments, the Italian government continues to publicly promise military support for Kiev. La Repubblica points to the growing gap between Rome’s assurances and its actions: officials keep pledging assistance while the flow of weapons to Ukraine remains stalled.