Italy to provide Ukraine with three types of air defense systems - Meloni

As part of a new military assistance package, Italy will provide Ukraine with SAMP-T air defense systems, the joint transfer of which was previously announced by Italy and France, as well as Skyguard Aspide systems.

This was announced by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.

"We have provided the sixth package of military assistance to Ukraine, which mainly focuses on air defense to protect civilian infrastructure, because a cynical game is being played to reduce civilian resistance, and this must be addressed. We've worked hard on this with France to quickly integrate our technologies," Maloney said.

"The SAMP-T is very important, but the new aid package also includes other air defense systems such as Skyguard and Spike. Today, the strategic goal is to protect critical infrastructure," the Italian Prime Minister emphasized.

She added that Italy will also help Ukraine with demining.

Meloni also informed that generators were handed over today to support the civilian population.

Regarding the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine, the Italian Prime Minister noted that when it comes to a country that has been aggressed against, all weapons supplied to it are defensive and intended for protection.

"At this stage, we are focusing on air defense with our partners," Meloni emphasized.

President Zelensky, for his part, noted that Italy provides Ukraine with a "powerful package".

"SAMP-T is a very serious technology, we have been working on it for a long time, and the personal leadership of the Prime Minister gave us the opportunity to receive these systems. In addition, Ukraine will receive two more important air defense systems to protect the lives of our people," the president noted