Italy approves tenth military aid package for Ukraine
- 16 December, 15:40
The Italian government on Monday approved a new military aid package for Kyiv to help Ukraine in its war with Russia. The new military contribution, Italy's tenth aid package to Kyiv, remains confidential in terms of its contents. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto is set to announce the package on Wednesday during a meeting of COPASIR, the parliamentary oversight body for Italy's intelligence services.
Announcing the new military aid to Ukraine at the Ambassadors' Conference, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated Rome’s committeemen to help Kyiv in achieving a fair peace, which does not involve Ukraine's surrender to Russia.
"Italy is beside Kyiv in an all-round commitment for a fair peace, which can't be Ukraine's surrender," Tajani stated. The minister reminded everyone of the recent meeting of the Group of Seven foreign ministers in Fiuggi, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine's energy security and reconstruction. He emphasized that Italy's dedication positions it "on the front line" ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which Italy will host in Rome this July.
He also highlighted that the efforts are underway to organize a second peace conference involving Russia, as well as partners like China, India, and Brazil.
Italy has been actively supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. Since Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Italy has approved nine packages of aid for Ukraine, including anti-aircraft missiles, artillery systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition.
In the first such aid package announced in December 2022, Italy pledged 10 million Euros. It was earlier reported that the Italian government plans to increase aid to Ukraine to €1.7 billion. It should be noted that all weapons sent by Italy can only be used within the terroritory of Ukraine as Rome has not authorized their usages in attacks on Russia. In addition, Italy has expressed willingness to deploy its soldier to Ukraine as part of a possible peacekeeping mission.
