Italian Foreign Minister Confirms Sending Air Defense System to Ukraine

Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the inclusion of a Samp-T air defense system in the ninth aid package for Ukraine, claiming it "serves defense." In response to a question from parliamentarians during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Italian Parliament regarding media reports that Italy might supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow cruise missiles as part of a new military aid package, the minister indicated that the confidentiality of the mentioned list was set by the previous government, not the current one. Tajani stated, "I can agree that perhaps more transparency is needed; we have said we will send the Samp-T air defense system, which is essential for defense and protection." Earlier, Il Fatto Quotidiano reported, citing sources, that Italy is preparing to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away. Previously, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated his firm refusal to send soldiers from Italy to Ukraine. In response to comments from French President Emmanuel Macron on the matter, he said, "We have always said that we are not at war with Russia and therefore we will not send Italian soldiers to fight in Ukraine."