Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) summit, reaffirming Rome’s commitment to Ukraine’s air defense and diplomatic path just days after the Italian government signed off on its 13th military aid package.
The big picture: Diplomacy and winter defense. According to Italian government sources, Meloni joined European leaders for a “Berlin Format” meeting on Ukraine before holding a bilateral session with Zelensky.
- Negotiation alignment: Leaders reviewed developments following recent trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the need for full European involvement in peace negotiations, security guarantees, and the continent’s broader security architecture.
- Winter resilience: With Russian strikes continuing to target Ukrainian cities and energy grids, the bilateral discussion focused on urgent air defense systems and interceptor missiles needed to protect civilian infrastructure through the winter months.
What they’re saying: “I briefed her on the negotiation process, particularly the meetings in Abu Dhabi and the next diplomatic steps. It is important that Europe be fully involved in the process when it comes to ending the war, security guarantees, and the future of our entire continent,” said Zelensky after the meeting.
- “We also discussed Ukraine’s defense needs amid relentless Russian strikes on our cities and energy infrastructure. First and foremost – strengthening our air defenses and missiles for the systems, which are critically needed to protect people this winter.”
Between the lines: Rome’s 13th aid package and domestic dynamics. The Dublin meeting follows key developments in Rome this week:
- 13th military package signed: Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti signed the interministerial decree authorizing Italy’s 13th military aid package for Kyiv, after Defense Minister Guido Crosetto briefed the parliamentary intelligence committee (COPASIR) earlier in the week.
- Aviation interest and coalition dynamics: While Kyiv is expanding its air fleet with Swedish Gripens and French Rafales, Ukrainian defense officials have also expressed interest in Italy’s retiring Eurofighter jets.
- Meanwhile, domestic attention is turning to the upcoming parliamentary vote authorizing aid frameworks for 2027, after Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini raised questions regarding the League’s stance on extending military shipments.
By the numbers: Italy’s cumulative support for Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Rome has maintained a consistent posture combining military, financial, and humanitarian assistance alongside EU and NATO allies:
- 13 military aid packages: Approved between 2022 and late 2026 under successive parliamentary mandates, prioritizing air defense (including SAMP/T batteries), artillery, and armored vehicles — with total military commitments estimated at over €3 billion.
- Financial and humanitarian aid: Over €2 billion in macro-financial assistance, budget support, and bilateral humanitarian programs, alongside dedicated initiatives for energy grid resilience and the reconstruction of Odesa.
Why it matters: By pairing the approval of its 13th aid package with direct diplomatic engagement in Dublin, Rome is signaling operational continuity to both Kyiv and its transatlantic partners—even as coalition negotiations over 2027 funding frameworks approach.
