Zelensky seeks Italian influence on US for weapons supply, reports say
Ukraine is reportedly seeking assistance from Italy to acquire new Patriot systems from the US. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Ukrainian leader reportedly hopes that Rome could help him secure additional Patriot batteries.
Ukraine is seeking Italy's assistance during its G7 presidency to advocate with the US for the delivery of more Patriot air defense missile batteries to Kyiv, according to an article from the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero published on Sunday, which cites informed sources.
As reported, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky considers Rome a “mediator” that could facilitate efforts to “push Washington to unblock the transfer of a significant number of Patriots” prior to the upcoming US presidential election in November.
Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Saturday, where they discussed the need for additional Western support for Ukraine. Meloni reaffirmed her backing and pledged “not to abandon Ukraine.”
In light of increased Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory targeting energy and military infrastructure in recent weeks, officials in Kyiv have been calling on NATO nations to provide advanced air defense systems. Additionally, as reported by Italian media, Rome is preparing to donate a second SAMP/T anti-air battery by the end of this month.
According to Defense Post, as of June, Ukraine had three operational Patriot batteries. A month later, US President Joe Biden assured that Kyiv would receive five additional batteries from the US and its allies. “We are laser-focused on Ukraine’s priority needs, including air defense, fires, and armor,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated this week.
The Russian Defense Ministry has previously claimed that several Patriot launchers have been destroyed in Ukraine. The Kremlin maintained in June that no amount of Western weaponry would deter its forces, cautioning that “every new shipment constitutes another wave of escalation.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
Ukraine is seeking Italy's assistance during its G7 presidency to advocate with the US for the delivery of more Patriot air defense missile batteries to Kyiv, according to an article from the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero published on Sunday, which cites informed sources.
As reported, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky considers Rome a “mediator” that could facilitate efforts to “push Washington to unblock the transfer of a significant number of Patriots” prior to the upcoming US presidential election in November.
Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Saturday, where they discussed the need for additional Western support for Ukraine. Meloni reaffirmed her backing and pledged “not to abandon Ukraine.”
In light of increased Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory targeting energy and military infrastructure in recent weeks, officials in Kyiv have been calling on NATO nations to provide advanced air defense systems. Additionally, as reported by Italian media, Rome is preparing to donate a second SAMP/T anti-air battery by the end of this month.
According to Defense Post, as of June, Ukraine had three operational Patriot batteries. A month later, US President Joe Biden assured that Kyiv would receive five additional batteries from the US and its allies. “We are laser-focused on Ukraine’s priority needs, including air defense, fires, and armor,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated this week.
The Russian Defense Ministry has previously claimed that several Patriot launchers have been destroyed in Ukraine. The Kremlin maintained in June that no amount of Western weaponry would deter its forces, cautioning that “every new shipment constitutes another wave of escalation.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
