The Italian government under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni has extended military support to Ukraine until 2026, while the approved decree underwent minor changes in the emphasis on defense purposes.
On Monday, the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed a decree guaranteeing the continuation of supplies of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine. Thus, Rome will provide military aid to Kyiv in 2026 as well, TASR informs, according to a report by the DPA agency.
Italy is considered one of the most reliable partners of Ukraine within NATO. A decision on the continuation of military aid next year was originally scheduled for early December. However, due to the objections of the League coalition party, it was postponed until later.
The Populist League, led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, demanded changes to the text of the decree to place more emphasis on civilian aid and to explicitly label arms deliveries as being for defense purposes.
The coalition therefore agreed on language changes without major modifications to the content of the decree, which also provides for the extension of residence permits for some Ukrainians in Italy.
DPA explains that Salvini is increasingly critical of military aid to Ukraine. In November, he declared that arms deliveries will not solve the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.
