Zelensky meets with Italian defense minister to discuss expansion of joint weapons production

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. They discussed expanding joint weapons production between companies from the two countries. Another package of weapons that will help deliver powerful strikes is already on the way.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported this on Telegram.

The head of state thanked Italy, its government, and the Italian people for military support and efforts within the framework of Italy's chairmanship of the Group of Seven (G7), particularly regarding strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, Zelensky and Crosetto discussed:

• strengthening Ukraine's air defense,
• training of Ukraine's armed forces service members and technical personnel in Italy,
• expanding cooperation between defense companies, including joint production and its localization in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine stressed the importance of investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, especially in the production of drones.

^{Photo: Office of the President}

"We also discussed preparations for the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine, which will be held in Rome in July, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

I emphasized that the most effective guarantee is Ukraine's membership in NATO, as this paves the way for a just and lasting peace in Europe," Zelensky said.

The head of the Italian defense ministry also met with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov.

Rustem Umerov reported that Italy is strengthening military support for Ukraine. The next package of weapons to help deliver powerful strikes is already on the way.

According to him, he met with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and agreed to strengthen defense cooperation.

"The main news is that another package of military aid from Italy is already on its way to Ukraine.

These are modern weapons that will help our soldiers deliver decisive blows to the enemy," Umerov noted.

In addition, Ukraine and Italy have planned to launch joint ventures and other initiatives in the defense sector. Crosetto stressed the importance of expanding the Ramstein format.

During the last meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, the Ukrainian side asked Italy to supply missiles for air defense systems.

For reference:

On the morning of January 16, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Ukraine on an official visit.

In early January, during his visit to Rome, Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders discussed strengthening security between the countries.

It is worth adding that in December, the Italian government approved the 10th package of military aid to Ukraine. The specifics of this aid will be outlined during a COPASIR meeting, the parliamentary body responsible for monitoring Italian intelligence operations.

It should be noted that Italian partners supply Ukraine with a wide range of weapons and equipment. In particular:

• Storm Shadow cruise missiles for strikes at a distance of up to 300 km,
• Italy and France transferred the SAMP-T anti-aircraft missile system, which is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.

It's also known that M109 self-propelled artillery units, anti-aircraft missiles, Spada and Skyguard systems, PzH-2000 howitzers, and multiple-launch rocket systems are being supplied.