In Granada, President of Ukraine and Italian Prime Minister Discuss Next Aid Package for Kyiv and Strengthening Air Defence
![In Granada, President of Ukraine and Italian Prime Minister Discuss Next Aid Package for Kyiv and Strengthening Air Defence Photo: In Granada, President of Ukraine and Italian Prime Minister Discuss Next Aid Package for Kyiv and Strengthening Air Defence.
Source: president.gov.ua](https://media.thegaze.media/thegaze-october-prod/media/October-23/06-10-23/Meloni-Zelensky-02-president-gov-ua.jpg)
At the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they discussed the upcoming aid package for Ukraine and a bilateral agreement on 'security guarantees,' as well as possible assistance to Ukraine during Italy's future G7 presidency. This was announced in statements from the offices of the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Italy.
The Prime Minister of Italy confirmed her government's unwavering and comprehensive support for the Ukrainian authorities in protecting critical infrastructure and meeting the country's needs in view of winter, as stated in the announcement. Meloni also stated that the support would continue for as long as necessary, aiming to achieve a fair, strong, and comprehensive peace.
In turn, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Ms. Meloni for Italy's comprehensive support and briefed her on the current situation on the front lines, noting that a reduction in the intensity of hostilities and a weakening of military aid to Ukraine would play into Russia's hands.
"In the context of preparing the next defence package from Italy, the leaders discussed military support for Ukraine, including strengthening Ukrainian air defence to protect civilians and grain infrastructure. Separate discussions were held on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Italy on security guarantees based on the G7 Joint Declaration in support of our country, adopted at the NATO summit in Vilnius," the statement reads.
The president of Ukraine also highly appreciated the readiness of the Italian government to take under its patronage the city of Odesa, including funding the restoration of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and other historical landmarks damaged by Russian missile attacks.
Italy is currently preparing to deliver the eighth package of military assistance to Ukraine.
Earlier, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in her Sky TG24 interview that she remains convinced that supporting Ukraine is not only the right but also the best way to protect Italy's national interests.
"Many pretend not to understand that if there were a Russian takeover of Ukraine, we would not be facing a peaceful scenario, we would be facing a real war scenario much closer to home," added the Prime Minister of Italy.