Zelensky and Italian PM discuss Conference on Ukraine's Reconstruction and SAMP/T missile supply
Photo: Office of the President
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. They discussed important matters such as providing missiles for the SAMP/T system, political collaboration, and coordinating the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Office of the President of Ukraine reported that.
Late in the evening of January 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Italy.
During a meeting with Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, Zelensky expressed his gratitude towards the Italian government for supporting Ukraine, specifically for approving the tenth package of military aid, which includes providing additional air defense systems.
The President noted that strengthening defense capabilities is critically important for protection against Russian attacks.
"Now we want to accelerate some details of this package. We have semi-Italian and semi-French SAMP/T air defense systems. The number of missiles is very important to us, and we are counting on it.
There is an appropriate package of missiles; we are receiving them, and another package needs to be finalized so that they reach us," Zelensky noted.
Photo: Office of the PresidentAccording to him, political decisions were also discussed at the meeting.
"Italy's voice is important to us, and we are very grateful to them," the president emphasized.
In addition to security issues, the parties discussed preparations for the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled for July 10-11, 2025, in Rome.
"Our teams have started working on this year's conference on reconstruction—especially cultural heritage. Here, we are counting primarily on Italy. We are also working with UNESCO and will work separately with France.
I want Italy to make a significant contribution to the reconstruction of our historical heritage. They are very professional in this area," the head of state emphasized.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has arrived in Italy. He is scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during his visit. Some of the topics that Zelensky will be discussing here in Italy include:
- defense support,
- the upcoming International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine in the summer,
- coordinating international efforts toward achieving peace,
- and Euro-Atlantic integration.
One topic will also be devoted to discussing cooperation within the G7, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia.
Zelensky's meeting with Meloni took place immediately after the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (in the Ramstein format). During this meeting, the head of the Ministry of Defense, Rustem Umerov, talked with his Italian counterpart about missiles for air defense systems that Italy could provide to Ukraine.
For reference:
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.
Italy, among other things, transferred two SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine.
United to win: Italy approves 10th package of military aid to Ukraine
United to win: Italy to transfer SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine by September's end
United to win: Italy considers transferring Storm Shadow long-range missiles to Ukraine in upcoming aid package
Italy's PM Meloni arrives in Kyiv to meet Zelensky
