Italy announces new support package for Ukraine

Italy is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine and intends to continue supporting its security, defense and reconstruction. This was stated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani after a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on August 24.

The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the new package is already in preparation. Its composition, cost and expected delivery dates have not yet been disclosed. The official statement also does not specify whether it is exclusively military aid or whether the package will include other areas of support.

Tajani stated that Rome will continue to provide assistance to Kyiv and at the same time maintain the European Union's sanctions pressure on Russia. According to him, the Italian government intends to maintain "maximum pressure" on Moscow.

The head of the Foreign Ministry linked this position, among other things, to the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the meeting of the "coalition of the willing", which takes place on August 24. The Italian authorities confirmed the country's continued involvement in ensuring Ukraine's security and defense capabilities.

One of the topics of the conversation between Tajani and Sybiha was the situation in the Black Sea. The Italian minister stressed the importance of safe navigation for the continuation of Ukrainian grain exports and global food security.

Rome expressed readiness to cooperate with Kyiv and seek opportunities for interaction between Black Sea security initiatives and the MED9+ formats that address the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. In Italy, it is pointed out that the security of sea routes is directly linked to economic stability, energy supplies and food.

Tajani also condemned the ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory and confirmed the support of the Italian government for Ukraine.

Separately, the ministers discussed the country's reconstruction. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, Rome has so far allocated about 3.2 billion euros to support the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine, including projects involving Italian businesses.

Italy regularly sends military aid packages to Ukraine, but their detailed contents are often not published. Tajani previously stated that Rome will continue to supply military equipment and other support to Kyiv, but does not plan to send Italian troops directly to the territory of Ukraine.

Based on materials from: Italian Foreign Ministry, Antonio Tajani