Kiev: the Government extends the state of emergency – aid can be sent to Ukraine

‘Incidentally, in Council of Ministers, amongst the many measures we have approved, there was also the extension of the state of emergency, which allows us to send aid to Ukraine. So I feel quite confident that the government, which has taken a clear stance on this, will be able to move forward. That said, I have great respect for and pay close attention to what a very important party within the coalition has to say.” During a press conference on the 2027 budget, which has been given the green light by the Government, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke about the differing positions within the majority regarding aid to Ukraine. She also announced the extension of the measure providing funding for the dispatch of further aid next year.

Confirmation came in the statement issued by the government following the meeting at Palazzo Chigi. ‘The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policy, Nello Musumeci, has approved a twelve-month extension of the state of emergency previously declared for overseas operations as a result of the ongoing events in Ukraine,’ the document states.

Responding to those who asked her about the position of Matteo Salvini on Kyiv at the Lega congress, Meloni outlined the government’s position. ‘I believe that a party congress is the quintessential forum for expressing one’s views; I congratulate Matteo Salvini on his re-election and believe he has every right to highlight a sentiment, a mood amongst his supporters,’ but – she then added – “the prevailing view amongst the government majority is that the best way to ensure peace is to continue supporting Ukraine, so I do not foresee that position changing.” At the extraordinary congress in Milan, which confirmed his leadership, the League’s Deputy Prime Minister issued a ‘warning’: he said he would propose halting the supply of arms and funds to Ukraine during the Council of Ministers.