More military help for Ukraine will be approved by Italy this month, according to sources

Italy’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is drafting a new military aid package for Ukraine, according to two people familiar with the situation, who made the announcement Tuesday.

Italy has authorized nine packages of supplies for the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Two of these packages include Franco-Italian air defense systems called SAMP/T.

By the end of this month, the government is expected to approve a tenth package, according to the unnamed sources, who would not elaborate. So far, governmental secrecy has been applied to all shipments.

Since taking office in late 2022, Meloni has supported Kyiv and pledged to help Ukraine until the end of the war, despite concerns about the U.S.’s future stance after President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January.

NATO commander Mark Rutte called on countries to increase military assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday in order to fortify its stance in the event that it engages in peace talks with Russia.

The main democracies of the Group of Seven (G7), led by Italy this year, have called for Ukraine’s help on numerous occasions, denounced Russia’s aggressive campaign, and promised Kyiv a $50 billion loan secured by blocked Russian assets.