Italy prepares new military aid package for Ukraine, first of 2025

Italy is finalizing a new military aid package for Ukraine, its first of this year, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto will present it to lawmakers next week. The package, Italy's 13th tranche of military assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, is expected to be approved after Crosetto briefs the parliamentary intelligence committee on November 10. While contents remain classified, it may include Aster interceptor missiles for the SAMP/T air-defense system. The move comes almost a year after Italy's previous package, amid domestic divisions over support for Kyiv. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains a strong supporter, but Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini opposes further weapons deliveries.