THOUSANDS of protesters demanded Italy’s withdrawal from Nato on Sunday evening as they accused the military alliance of fanning the flames of war in Ukraine. 

Speakers at the rally in the capital Rome condemned the Italian government for sending weapons and military equipment to Kiev, branding it unconstitutional and against the national interest. 

Mass opposition to Nato and Italy’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict has been led by Italian trade unionists.

Last month workers at Pisa airport blocked a deadly shipment of arms which had been disguised as humanitarian aid from leaving, leading to parliamentary questions over the deception. 

The USB union has called for a mobilisation on April 22 under the slogan “lower your weapons, raise your wages.”

“The costs of this war are already falling heavily on workers,” the union said in a statement, warning that bosses are using Russia’s attack on its neighbour as an excuse to lay off workers due to increased costs. 

“Staying out of war is not just a choice, but a necessity,” USB said, adding that the Draghi government is dragging Italy into “a dangerous adventure.

“Once again ties with Nato and the EU superpower’s ambitions are prevailing over the interests of our country. And a hammering propaganda is shutting down all the critical voices,” the union said. 

USB said that billions can be found to fund wars, but at the same time living conditions are being squeezed for millions of ordinary Italians. 

“When will salaries, pensions, services, housing [and] living conditions become priorities?” the union asked.

But it said that workers have the power to bring an end to involvement in the war and increased militarisation, hinting at potential actions. 

“Just like the workers of Pisa airport refused to load weapons on planes, just like workers in Genoa refused to load ships with military cargo, so by stopping vital activities it is possible to take Italy out of war,” USB said.

Similar action has seen Greek workers block lethal military aid from leaving the port of Alexandroupolis in north-east Greece, a major hub for the deployment of US-Nato troops in eastern Europe.

National strike action last week saw millions of workers demand increased wages as prices spiral while raising opposition to war and militarism.