Italy promises US$1.7 billion in new military aid to Kyiv, media says

Italy is preparing to commit to providing US$1.7 billion in military aid to Ukraine next year.

As reported by Corriere della Sera, the report indicates this is Italy's share in the total US$40 billion aid package for Ukraine being discussed within NATO. 

The plan allocates half of the contribution, which is flexibly distributed among direct military aid, goods and services, and training, to be provided by the United States, while the remaining US$20 billion will come from European NATO member states.

During the first two years of full-scale war, Rome reportedly provided Kyiv with approximately €1.2 billion every 12 months. This assistance included the direct cost of weaponry or the value of other goods and services.

Now, Italy is committing to increase its contribution by approximately €400 million. 

However, it is anticipated that NATO countries will make a political commitment rather than a legal one regarding the allocation of the entire amount, which could slightly alter the initial plans.

It remains unclear whether this commitment will be one-time, which is quite likely, or annual, as initially desired by NATO leadership and the White House.

Italy will provide Ukraine with another SAMP-T air defence system to  down Russian missiles. This commitment is part of several NATO member states' pledges to enhance Ukrainian air defence capabilities, announced at the summit in Washington.