“We won’t be intimidated.” This was stated by the new Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto in an interview with the newspaper ‘La Stampa’ about the conflict in Ukraine and a possible increase in tension between Rome and Moscow. “There are moments in history in which it is necessary to take sides without ifs and buts, even if it is not easy, even if the choice leaves a bad taste in your mouth – says Crosetto – In this case, the bitter would be the return penalties that they penalize us. And this is one of those historical moments. It is not imaginable to give in to the blackmail of Russia. On the Atlantic positioning of the premier and the majority “they were wrong”, says Crosetto, “also because today choices are made that will weigh on the next decades. This government was born with the ambition to look far, not to next week or next month. And I think that this government will move absolutely united on foreign and defense policy “. As regards the NATO exercises in the Adriatic and also on the fact that fleets face each other as during the Cold War, Crosetto states that “for at least 20 years we have been talking about the centrality of the Mediterranean, for traffic of goods, energy routes, cables for telecommunications. Lastly also for the traffic of the new slave traders. It is for this reason that the defense has invested in the Navy “. And he adds: “I have been dealing with defense from several points of view for 12 years: from the ministry, from Parliament, from industry. I know the problems well. Anyone who, like Conte or Licheri, talks about conflicts, does not know what they are talking about. Those who deal with the defense industry have a mandate from the foreign and defense sectors. considered up to now: in the service of the state, without being part of it. Today I have left all my private activities and will work only for the state “.