Italy is increasing its military support for Ukraine, with a new package of advanced weaponry already en route to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the development following his meeting with Guido Crosetto, Italy's Minister of Defense.
“The key update is that Italy’s next military aid package is on its way to Ukraine. This modern weaponry will empower our forces to deliver decisive strikes against the enemy,” Umerov stated.
Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov shared up-to-date information with Italian colleagues about the battlefield situation and the enemy's intentions, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, outlined the army's priority needs.
Additionally, the two countries agreed to launch joint ventures and initiatives within the defense sector. Minister Crosetto emphasized the importance of expanding the “Ramstein” defense cooperation format.
Italy has been supplying a broad array of arms and equipment, including:
- Storm Shadow cruise missiles capable of striking targets up to 300 km away.
- SAMP/T air defense systems, co-delivered with France, designed to intercept ballistic missiles.
- M109 self-propelled artillery units, Spada and Skyguard systems, howitzers like the PzH-2000, and multiple rocket launch systems.
Previously, Ukraine had requested Italy's assistance with air defense missiles, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles as part of Italy’s pivotal role in the armored vehicle coalition.
At the end of 2024, the government of Giorgia Meloni approved the continued provision of arms and equipment to Ukraine, reaffirming Italy’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
