Ukraine has made a request for decommissioned Italian equipment

Ukraine has expressed interest in receiving decommissioned military equipment from the Italian Defense Ministry’s stockpiles.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed this issue with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

“A friendly conversation with Antonio Tajani. I thanked Italy for its strong G7 presidency and support for Ukraine. We discussed accelerating the next package of military assistance to Italy and strengthening Ukraine’s air shield,” Andrii Sybiha said.

One of Europe’s largest storage sites for decommissioned military equipment is located in Italy near the city of Vercelli.

In 2015, it was reported that the base housed over 3,000 units of decommissioned military equipment.

Leopard 1 tanks, M109L self-propelled howitzers, M113 and VSS-1 armored personnel carriers, support vehicles, and other equipment were brought to the storage base.

Previously, part of the M109L howitzers for Ukraine were taken from this storage base and sent for restoration.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Italy has been providing significant support to Ukraine.

Rome supplied Kyiv with various types of weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles, machine guns, mortars, and armored vehicles.

During the NATO meeting, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that in 2025, the country would increase military aid to Ukraine to €1.7 billion.

According to the media, this amount is a record for Italy, as last year, the country allocated $1.2 billion, intended to be used over 12 months.

Italy will also produce a new SAMP/T air defense system battery for Ukraine instead of transferring a ready-made system from its stockpiles.