Italy extends military support for Ukraine through 2025
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Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Italy has provided ten military aid packages to Ukraine, which include advanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense systems.
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The SAMP/T, also called MAMBA missile launcher, is displayed at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (AP)
Italy's government has approved a new measure extending its military aid to Ukraine until the end of 2025.
The law decree enables continued provision of equipment, materials, and resources to assist Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a statement from the Italian cabinet.
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Italy has provided 10 military aid packages to Ukraine, which include advanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense systems.
After taking office in late 2022, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently pledged her support for Kiev, vowing to sustain Italy's assistance until the conflict is resolved.
The decision comes amid global uncertainty over the potential shift in US foreign policy as Donald Trump prepares to take office in January.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, meanwhile, has urged alliance members to bolster military support for Ukraine to strengthen Kiev's position ahead of any potential peace talks with Russia.
Read more: US approves over $5.7 bln in military sales to Germany, Italy
Italy's actions align with its leadership role in the Group of Seven (G7) this year. The G7 has promised $50 billion in financial aid for Kiev, partially derived from seized Russian assets.
This latest move reinforces Italy's position as a key supporter of Ukraine within the broader international response to the war.
At a press conference following a G7 summit in June, Prime Minister Meloni stated that the release of Russian assets frozen in Western jurisdictions would be contingent upon the commencement of a peace process in Ukraine.
"It is clear that since the assets were frozen due to sanctions and since the sanctions are actually related to aggression against Ukraine, the possibility of unfreezing will only be possible in the event of a peace process. But I assume that this peace process will also discuss the issue of who should pay for Ukraine's reconstruction," Meloni said.
Read more: EU prepares contingency plan amid US uncertainty over Ukraine aid
