Italy’s Meloni warns of Ukraine crisis’ 'domino effect' after meeting new NATO chief

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) – Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni warned Tuesday of the “domino effect” of Russia’s war on Ukraine, following a meeting in Rome with the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"We are in a very complex time, everything is being questioned, the wound inflicted on international rules by the invasion of Ukraine has created destabilizing effects far beyond the borders (of that conflict),” Meloni said, delivering joint statements to the press with Rutte.

"Strengthening our defense is the Alliance's priority. This is why we are producing more ships, vehicles and projectiles also to support Ukraine," Rutte said, thanking Rome for its contribution to NATO's budget.

“All countries must reach the objective of 2% of gross domestic product for defense," the NATO secretary general said, also mentioning that he will meet representatives of the military industry in Rome and then in Brussels.

Rutte confirmed that the alliance is creating a new command for Ukraine, called Nsatu (Nato Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine), which will become operational in the coming months.

“We are on track to provide our 40 billion in terms of military support to Ukraine in 2024,” the NATO chief said.