Russia-Ukraine war: Italy ready to prepare arms package including air defense systems

Italy’s governing coalition said this week that it is ready to prepare a new arms package for Ukraine. The new arms package would include air defense systems as Kyiv seeks to intercept Russian air strikes.

An official from the governing coalition in Italy said Tuesday that it was preparing a new arms package for Ukraine that included air defense systems. Kyiv has been asking the West for more air defenses following the barrage of Russian air strikes across the country, attacking its energy infrastructure. The official said that Rome was ready to provide Ukraine with a range of air defense systems, including the medium-range Franco-Italian SAMP/T and Italian Aspide, along with portable Stinger missiles.

However, the official noted that the quantity has yet to be determined or when any shipment may be made.

Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto spoke with US defense secretary Lloyd Austin on the phone Monday, pledging Italy’s continued support for Ukraine for as long as needed, according to a statement. Italy approved its first shipment of weapons to Kyiv back in February, under the government of then-Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration is preparing a sixth round of weapons for Ukraine. Contrary to her allies, Meloni is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

Italy has never disclosed the details of its arms shipments to Ukraine since Russia invaded back on February 24. However, Italian and Ukrainian media outlets said that the previous shipments by Rome included multiple launch rocket systems, Pzh2000 Howitzers, and armored vehicles.

Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned the use of mercenaries in the war Russia continues to wage on Ukraine. The Pontiff said that the mercenaries are only unleashing “so much cruelty” on civilians.

“I renew my call for prayers for the martyred Ukraine, let us ask the Lord for peace for these people who are so troubled and who suffer so much cruelty by the mercenaries who are making war,” said the Pope at the end of his general audience.

The Pope’s condemnation follows reports that the Wagner Group, a Russian private military firm, was accused by the European Union and the United States of carrying out covert operations in Ukraine on the Kremlin’s behalf.