Shmyhal Urges Stronger Military Cooperation with Italy Amid Russian Strikes
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held a call with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to discuss deepening defense cooperation, additional weapons deliveries, and joint arms production.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Shmyhal’s post on social media.
Shmyhal thanked Italy for its military assistance to date, including weapons already supplied under previous aid packages, which he said have significantly strengthened Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
“I expressed gratitude for the weapons already delivered as part of the military aid packages, as well as for preparations of new ones. Italian weapons have played a vital role in countering the aggressor,” Shmyhal said in a statement.
The two ministers explored prospects for launching joint weapons manufacturing projects and discussed Italy’s participation in the European Union’s €150 billion SAFE defense initiative.
Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine’s interest in expanding cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian defense industries.
The call came shortly after another deadly Russian missile barrage on Kyiv, which claimed civilian lives, including that of a child. Shmyhal briefed Crosetto on the latest attacks, including Russian strikes on residential areas in Kramatorsk, underscoring the urgent need for additional air defense systems.
“We discussed the possibility of additional deliveries of air defense systems,” Shmyhal noted. “We feel strong support from our Italian friends. We are reinforcing our strategic partnership in the defense sector.”
The renewed talks build on recent announcements by both countries to expand cooperation in the defense and high-tech sectors. On July 24, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Davyd Aloyan confirmed that Ukraine and Italy would broaden collaboration in the defense industry.
Read more on The Gaze: What Specific Military Assistance Does Ukraine Need From Partners?