Italy Plans to Strengthen Ukraine’s Defense in 2024

19 December, 2023 US aid to Ukraine for October 10, 2021. Photo credits: US Embassy The Italian government has made a decision that will allow military supplies to Ukraine to continue until the end of 2024.

The Italian Ministry of Defense reported on this. By its decision, the Italian government proposes to extend its authority to transfer weapons, vehicles, and material and technical means to Ukraine. It still needs to be approved by both houses of the Italian parliament.

"The decree-law in question will allow the government for another year... to support the Ukrainian population committed to the defense of the freedom and sovereignty of their state, providing them, as it has been done so far, not only with weapons, but also with equipment, generators and everything necessary to support military operations to protect defenseless civilians," the statement said.

Illustrative photo on the topic: Ukraine-Italy

As noted, "the continuation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the international scenario, deepened by the Middle East crisis and the war between Israel and Hamas, forces the Meloni government to opt for coherence, support and, therefore, the expansion of assistance to Ukraine in accordance with Italy's international commitments to the EU and NATO." Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that with this decision, Rome once again "chooses the side of freedom of nations and respect for international law in order to achieve, in line with the position of NATO and EU allies, a just and lasting peace." Recently, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Rome had provided Ukraine with seven defense aid packages.

"So far, we have provided 7 aid packages in the defense sector and we intend to provide further support in this area," Tajani said. He noted that Rome is negotiating with Ukrainian counterparts, in coordination with partners and allies, on the terms of Italy's security commitments and long-term assistance to Ukraine.

Antonio Tajani. Photo credits: static.ukrinform.com

"Italy is also actively involved in military assistance within the EU.

The EU member states have delivered a large amount of military equipment to Ukraine in a coordinated manner," the Italian minister emphasized.

Tajani assured that Rome would provide assistance to Ukraine for as long as necessary.