Zelenskyy holds meeting with head of Italy's Ministry of Defense
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Minister of Defense of Italy, Guido Crosetto (photo: president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in Kyiv with Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The two sides discussed expanding joint weapons production between companies from both countries, according to his Telegram channel.
The head of state thanked Italy, its government, and the Italian people for their military support and efforts during Italy's presidency of the G7, particularly in terms of strengthening sanctions against Russia.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy and Crosetto discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and technical staff in Italy, as well as expanding cooperation between defense companies, including joint production and its localization in Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of investments in Ukraine's defense industry, especially in drone production.
"We also discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will take place in July in Rome, and security guarantees for Ukraine. I emphasized that the most effective guarantee is Ukraine's membership in NATO, as it paves the way for a just and lasting peace in Europe," Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine-Italy partnership
On the morning of January 16, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Ukraine on an official visit.
The head of the Italian Ministry of Defense held a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The two sides discussed the launch of joint defense enterprises. According to Umerov, Italy has provided Ukraine with a new package of military aid.
During the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, the Ukrainian side requested Italy to supply missiles for air defense systems.
In early January, during his visit to Rome, President Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders discussed strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
