ROME, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Italy will send more military aid to Ukraine this year, a senior government official said on Tuesday, adding that continued support for Kyiv could help bring Russia to the
Italy to continue military aid to Ukraine through 2026, official says
Italy’s 2026 Ukraine Aid Commitment
ROME, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Italy will send more military aid to Ukraine this year, a senior government official said on Tuesday, adding that continued support for Kyiv could help bring Russia to the negotiating table.
"We have already agreed that aid of all kinds, including military aid, will continue to be provided to Ukraine throughout the year, so there will obviously be further aid packages in 2026," said Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a cabinet undersecretary and a close aide to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Speaking at a conference marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he added that continuing backing for Kyiv "could lead Russia to genuine peace negotiations within a reasonable time frame".
Aid Packages and Systems
Rome has so far supported Ukraine's military effort with 12 aid packages, including air defence systems.
Domestic Political Debate
The issue has sparked divisions within the ruling coalition, with the far-right League party arguing that further assistance could fuel corruption in Kyiv and not help end the war.
Fazzolari said support for Ukraine was part of coalition policy and that all allies were expected to support it.
Comparative European Support
While Italy has been a consistent contributor, it has lagged behind other major European economies, notably Germany, which has sent more than 15 billion euros ($17.66 billion) in military supplies to Ukraine, with billions more promised.
Italy’s Contributions to Date
Italy's defence chief of staff said last year the country had so far sent more than 3 billion euros worth of supplies.
Referenced Exchange Rate
($1 = 0.8495 euros)
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Angelo Amante in RomeEditing by Gareth Jones)
