Italy to Allocate €140 Million to Ukraine for Infrastructure and Cultural Restoration

The Italian government plans to provide Ukraine with economic assistance amounting to €140 million. These funds will be used for the restoration of civilian infrastructure destroyed by Russia and cultural sites damaged by Russian wartime tactics. This announcement was made by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, according to Ukrinform.

"The Italian government has decided to provide Ukraine with a new package of €140 million for the restoration of infrastructure, including railways, agriculture, healthcare, demining, and other areas," Tajani stated.

The Italian official noted that Italy will sign memorandums with Ukraine regarding cooperation in the restoration of these sectors. He also emphasized that the Italian government encourages Italian companies to participate in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. Particularly important for Italy is the restoration of Ukraine's cultural heritage.

"It is very important for Italy to rebuild the cathedral in Odesa, as it is a UNESCO heritage site. It is crucial for us to support the restoration of Ukraine's cultural heritage because Ukraine is part of Europe," Tajani underscored.

Furthermore, Antonio Tajani mentioned that restoration efforts are meaningless without enhancing the protection of Ukrainian infrastructure through air defence systems. Without such measures, Russian forces could destroy the rebuilt structures again. He confirmed that Italy would send a new package of military aid to Ukraine, including the SAMP/T air defence system, as previously reported by The Gaze in June.

This move is in response to Ukrainian leadership's calls for increased air defence systems to repel Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, particularly energy sector facilities.