Ukraine and Italy discuss the possibility of using revenues from the frozen russian assets to procure air defense systems

The Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko, held talks with a delegation from the Defence Industry Agency of the Italian Ministry of Defence.

The parties discussed the possibility of using the revenues from the frozen Russian assets, in particular, to procure Italian-made air defense systems and their associated ammunition.

“We are interested, among other topics, in ammunition of various calibers and air defense systems. “However, it is important to understand the cost and the timeframe within which they can be delivered to the Defence Forces of Ukraine,” said Anatolii Klochko.

The Deputy Minister also expressed gratitude to Italy for its support since the onset of russia's full-scale invasion.

Additionally, Anatolii Klochko, along with representatives from the Ministry of Strategic Industry and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, familiarized themselves with the products of Italian defense companies. Marcello Mele, the representative of the Defence Industry Agency of the Italian Ministry of Defence, briefed on the key areas of the agency's activities and introduced mechanisms for potential cooperation.

The Italian delegation expressed their country's readiness to not only serve as a key partner in supporting Ukraine but also to contribute to the proper allocation of the EU budget to fully leverage the capabilities of Ukraine's industry.

The parties agreed to continue their efforts toward implementing the idea of creating joint industrial projects.