New military aid package for Kyiv finalised. Crosetto: ‘Italia’s stance on Ukraine cannot change’
Clash within the ruling coalition: whilst Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announces his intention to propose halting the supply of arms and funds to Ukraine during the Cabinet meeting, the other Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, warns: “We will send the next package to Kyiv as soon as possible.”
Key points
The majority is divided over military support for Ukraine. “My position is well known: we stand with Ukraine and will continue to help it for as long as necessary. The next military aid package is already ready, and we will send it to Kyiv as soon as possible.” So said Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani (Forza Italia) on the sidelines of his visit to the Montebello Barracks in Milan, responding to those who asked about Matteo Salvini’s position.
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. This is the promise the federal secretary has put on the table for Lega members ahead of the election.
There is the utmost secrecy surrounding what will be included in the next package. As has been the case in previous instances, the information is classified. According to some reports, the new package could include Aster 30 interceptor missiles, which are needed to supply the SAMP/T systems already in service in Ukraine. According to reports in *Il Messaggero*, the government is also expected to give Kyiv access to imagery from two of the six satellites in the Italian Cosmo-SkyMed constellation – two satellites built by Thales Alenia Space (Leonardo-Thales) which observe the Earth from orbit and produce images.
This is the thirteenth aid package
The package currently being prepared is the thirteenth military aid package for Ukraine since the start of the war. As with previous ones, the legal instrument is an interministerial decree (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Economy). The military vehicles, materials and equipment authorised for transfer are listed in an annex, ‘drawn up by the Defence General Staff’, which is, however, classified. The Defence General Staff is also authorised to adopt “the most expeditious procedures to ensure the timely delivery of the vehicles, materials and equipment”.
