Ukraine eyes Italian air defenses using seized Russian assets
Photo: Deputy Minister of Defense Anatolii Klochko (mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine intends to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets to purchase air defense systems. This initiative was discussed with representatives from Italy, reports the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko held talks with a delegation from the Defense Industry Agency of Italy’s Ministry of Defense.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the parties discussed the potential use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets, particularly for the purchase of Italian-made air defense systems and ammunition for these systems.
“We are interested, among other things, in ammunition of various calibers and air defense systems. However, it is essential to understand the cost and timelines within which they can be delivered to the Defense Forces of Ukraine,” Klochko stated.
Ukrainian government representatives familiarized themselves with the products of Italian defense companies, while Marcello Mele, a representative of Italy’s Defense Industry Agency, explained potential mechanisms for cooperation.
“The Italian delegation expressed the country’s readiness not only to be a key partner in supporting Ukraine but also to ensure fair allocation of the EU budget to leverage the full potential of Ukraine’s defense industry,” the Ministry of Defense reported.
Background
The EU has repeatedly called for frozen Russian assets or their proceeds to be used for purchasing weapons for Ukraine. This proposal has been championed by EU leaders such as Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
In December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that €1 billion from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets would be allocated to the production of Ukrainian weapons.
