Tajani: “The thirteenth arms package was signed in Kyiv with Ministers Giorgetti and Crosetto”

“Together with Ministers Giorgetti and Crosetto, I have signed the decision to supply the thirteenth package of military equipment to Kyiv. The measure will be presented to Copasir by Minister Crosetto in the coming hours.” This was stated by the Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, on the programme ‘Cinque minuti’. The new measure comes despite the announced opposition of Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini, which he had already expressed a few weeks ago. 

“We must continue to support Ukraine,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, “we cannot abandon it. By defending itself, Ukraine is defending the EU. We have shared interests. Our aim, however, is to achieve peace, and Italy is not at war with Russia. Russia,” Tajani added, “has suffered hundreds of thousands of deaths without achieving anything. Russia is engaged in hostile territory and is failing to win a war that seemed easy. Russia must adopt a more conciliatory approach, and Putin must find a solution with Zelensky.” Regarding the forthcoming talks in Abu Dhabi, the leader of Forza Italia said he wished to be “more optimistic” than the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas (who said she did not harbour “high expectations regarding these talks”). “We hope there will be progress, and we are working for peace both in Ukraine and in the Middle East,” Tajani added.