Ukraine and Italy Discussed Strengthening Ukraine's Air Defense
The defense ministers of Ukraine and Italy, Yevhen Khmara and Guido Crosetto, held talks on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. The parties also discussed security challenges, the situation on the front lines, and the current needs of the Defense Forces.
Yevhen Khmara emphasized that one of the main threats at present is jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles, the production of which Russia is ramping up to intensify its terror campaign against Ukrainian cities, particularly Kyiv.
“Therefore, we are counting on our partners’ support for critical priorities: funding, the supply of specific types of weapons—primarily air defense systems—as well as technologies and means to defeat the enemy,” said the head of Ukraine’s defense ministry.
At the same time, as Yevhen Khmara noted, Ukraine is preparing its own war plan and intensifying asymmetric operations against Russia to minimize its ability to wage war.
Yevhen Khmara thanked Italy and its partners for their support and willingness to assist Ukraine’s defense efforts.
This was reported on the Ministry of Defense’s Telegram channel.
As a reminder, several countries have pledged to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems.
The European Union has not adopted any new decisions regarding the transfer of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine. This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Ireland.
As a reminder, European countries have stepped up their search for interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, which they plan to transfer to Ukraine. Kyiv is seeking to strengthen its missile defense ahead of a possible new wave of Russian attacks this winter.
Earlier, Finland explained why it would not transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
