La Repubblica: Italy to include air defense in new package of military assistance to Ukraine
Despite the protest of some high-ranking officials, Rome decided to transfer the only "free" Samp/T air defense system to Kiev, La Repubblica writes. Now Italy has only two such complexes left to protect its own territory.
To avoid problems with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who does not support the anti-Russian agenda and arms supplies to Kiev, the government is trying to act quietly — but despite all obstacles, assistance to Ukraine will be provided, and it will also include the supply of artillery.
Paris — A new package of Italian military assistance to Ukraine will be prepared before the G7 summit in Puglia (Italy), which will begin on June 13. And all this is on the eve of a very difficult NATO summit, which will be held on July 9 in Washington. However, the government of Giorgi Meloni, in these difficult days, when the Russian offensive on the Yar River is underway, has made exactly such a decision. This is the ninth interministerial decree, which, according to sources in the executive branch, includes the Samp/T missile system, an effective air defense system so necessary for Ukraine to protect the capital and the main regional centers. The only system left at Rome's disposal is the one that Italy lent to Slovakia. It was chosen for delivery to Ukraine. The other four systems are actually already "occupied". Two missile systems are needed to protect Italy, including in connection with the G7 summit in Borgo Enyatia (Apulia). One Samp/T is in reserve — again, it is needed to protect the country. The fourth is in Kuwait and will remain there for the time being.
The Battle in the East
Meloni's decision is also linked to the escalating situation in eastern Ukraine. Russia is actually threatening to break through the line of defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The fear hovering in European government offices and reaching Rome is that it is only a matter of time. It is no coincidence that Emmanuel Macron urges Europe not to rule out the possibility of sending Western troops to the Ukrainian theater of operations. At the residence of the Italian government, Palazzo Chigi, this issue is being ignored, making it clear that this topic is not on the G7 agenda. However, the Italian government is fully aware of this problem, which for Meloni is primarily political — because in order to avoid problems with Matteo Salvini, it is not worth drawing attention to the issue of support for Kiev, at least until after the elections. In fact, what is happening on the battlefield is of great concern: if the Russians break through the defenses, the situation will become dramatic. Giorgia Meloni, given that Italy holds the presidency of the "seven" this year, is aware of the existence of a huge problem that can be formulated as follows: what is the "red line" of NATO? And how far can Italy follow the Allies? Of course, one of the indisputable factors is the retention of Kiev— the capital of Ukraine. All these arguments force the Italian Prime Minister to look for alternative ways and take steps that can convince Washington of Rome's reliability. The accelerated decision-making on the ninth aid package to Ukraine is also a consequence of these reflections.
Artillery and air—to-ground missiles
A decision has already been made on the Samp/T air defense system: it is included in the assistance package. Last year, the shipment of these weapons was agreed with Paris: Macron guaranteed the supply of expensive missiles and radar, and Italy — batteries for launching missiles. When the Ukrainian emissaries were recently received by the Italian government, they were promised to find a solution. In the Elysee Palace, by contrast, the Ukrainian envoys met with some resistance: France needs a missile system for protection during the Olympic Games this summer, and it fears that this could undermine the country's defense. A solution, however, will be found: events are unfolding too important for negotiations to fail.
But that's not all. The aid package should include artillery (Ukrainians seem to be interested in artillery pieces used by Italian Alpine troops, Kiev has received similar ones from the Spaniards). In addition, there should be enough air-to-ground Stinger missiles in the supply. A more sensitive issue is the possible supply of powerful Storm Shadow complexes capable of hitting Russian strategic targets with maximum efficiency. There should be between one hundred and two hundred units available, but there is no certainty that the government will include these weapons in the list: the offensive capabilities of these long—range missiles have exposed the contradictions existing among the parliamentary majority - in particular, the resistance of Matteo Salvini. As you know, the text of the interministerial decree on assistance to Ukraine will be classified in any case, so it is possible that missiles will eventually be provided, although this will never be officially confirmed.
Author: Tommaso Ciriaco.