Italian Government Eyes Additional Defense Spending to Back Ukraine
Italy is preparing a 12th package of military aid to Ukraine that will focus on ammunition and air defense systems, including SAMP/T missiles.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Bloomberg.
Italy plans to send Ukraine a new package of military aid, marking the 12th such package since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The main focus is on ammunition and missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems. The package could be ready by the end of the year, depending on the completion of parliamentary procedures.
Since the start of the war, Giorgia Meloni's government has sent Kyiv 11 previous packages worth between €2.5 billion and €3 billion, including two SAMP/T batteries. Details of the aid remain confidential in accordance with government regulations.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Italy is considering participating in the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, with European funds.
Italy had previously refused to participate in the mechanism, noting that Ukraine already had other channels for receiving military aid.
During a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tried to convince Rome to join the PURL program to purchase American weapons, in particular Patriot missile defense systems.
Although discussions are ongoing, Meloni has not yet given final approval due to internal political risks and resistance from part of parliament, in particular the League and the Five Star Movement.
Italy is also under pressure from Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who stress the importance of supporting Ukraine and strengthening the Atlantic Alliance.
Read more on The Gaze: Why Italy Matters More for Ukraine’s Military Support Than It Seems