Ukraine has requested Italy to provide SAMP-T air defense systems — Zelensky

Ukraine is very much counting on the continuation of close relations with Italy and hopes to receive military assistance in providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with air defense systems, in particular SAMP-T.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with the Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Rubryka reports.

The President noted that the Italian government has already been informed about the need for air defense equipment.

"Air defense systems. This is our highest priority today. You know why.

Because we want our people to come home from abroad so their children can go to school, university, etc.

But without security, without air defense, we cannot ensure this. Very few countries produce air defense systems – not only have but also produce them.

Italy, together with France and Germany, produces SAMP-T complexes. And we need them," Zelensky emphasized.

At the same time, the Head of State noted that he had only one telephone conversation with the new Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. We will remind you that Zelensky invited her to visit Ukraine.

"I think we are building a new level of relations between Ukraine and Italy. This happened during the government of Mario Draghi. It became possible thanks to him and Italian society.

We built a powerful, strong relationship. And I don't want to destroy it. And I told this to Giorgia, she replied: "Yes, of course. I really support you and want to have relations at the same high level as they were. And I don't want to destroy them either," the President emphasized.

Zelensky assured that Ukraine is honest and open in its relations with Italy. It is very grateful for the great help already provided. The Ukrainian leader expressed hope for further Italian support for Ukrainians.

It should be noted that the new Italian government head, Giorgia Meloni, during her first speech in parliament on October 25, stated that Italy will not give in to putin's energy blackmail and will continue to support Ukraine.