Italy is ready to take a more active part in strengthening NATO's eastern flank
Italy is ready to become more involved in resolving the situation that has arisen because of the escalation on the Ukrainian-Russian border.
Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini stated this on January 26, the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy reports on Facebook.
"Given the recent events, NATO has decided to strengthen its eastern flank, and Italy will take an active role in this process," the Ukrainian diplomatic mission quotes the minister.
Guerini noted that modern Italian planes had strengthened NATO's airbase in Romania, which is located almost on the border with Ukraine. In addition, in the event of an escalation of the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border, NATO Command has prepared a special plan with the participation of Italian troops, and if the crisis doesn't end soon, Italy is ready to send additional forces to the Eastern European region.
Guerini noted that no one was interested in escalating the situation, so constructive dialogue remains a priority.
"At the same time, I emphasize that any aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences," the Italian Defense Minister stressed.
As reported, the US president is considering the deployment of several thousand servicemen, as well as warships and aircraft in Eastern Europe amid the threat of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
