Rome has approved a new military package for Kyiv, reaffirming its steadfast support amid Russia’s ongoing aggression. It is rumoured to feature Aster missiles for the Samp-T system. Future plans envisage extending authorisation through 2025 and hosting a reconstruction conference in July
Rome sends more aid. Italy’s tenth military aid package to Kyiv—and the fourth under Giorgia Meloni’s government—has been finalised in a new interministerial decree.
- The Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, presented the decree today to Copasir, the parliamentary committee on intelligence.
- The contents of the package are only shared with Copasir and remain classified.
- According to media reports, the aid package could potentially include Aster missiles, which could be used to arm the previously deployed Samp-T system in Kyiv.
- In recent weeks, Crosetto has called on the Italo-French consortium, Eurosam, to double production of the Aster missiles.
- Italy will also supply munitions, weapons, generators, and vehicles necessary for strengthening Ukraine’s arsenals and war-torn infrastructure.
- Additionally, the Italian government will approve a decree on Monday to extend authorisation for the transfer of vehicles, materials, and equipment to Ukraine until 2025, pending parliamentary approval.
- Italy’s support for Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia almost three years ago, remains unwavering despite potential policy changes under incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Italy stands firm. On Monday, President Sergio Mattarella assured that Ukraine can rely on Italy’s unwavering military, economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian support.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed this stance, stating, “We will continue our steadfast support for Ukraine’s legitimate defence.”
- In her address to Parliament before tomorrow’s European Council meeting, Meloni emphasised Italy’s commitment to ending the war and achieving “a fair, comprehensive, and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter.”
- She added, “Within the G7, we have reached an agreement to provide Kyiv with a line of credit—a complex but vital achievement, marking a significant success of Italy’s G7 presidency.”
- Italy is preparing to host the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference on 10-11 July 2025.
Broader Ramstein goals. The coordinated efforts of the US-led Ramstein Contact Group, composed of over 54 countries supporting Kyiv, aim to prevent further Russian territorial gains ahead of anticipated peace negotiations following the inauguration of President Trump.
- Defence Minister Crosetto has also indicated Italy’s readiness to contribute peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if necessary.
- On Tuesday, in a recent interview with La Repubblica, Crosetto stated, “Italian troops have always been deployedto preserve peace. If a multinational force is required, we will participate, as we have done in Lebanon and Gaza. However, for Ukraine, it must be a UN mission, not a European one.”
