Meloni: Italy has clear support for Ukraine, Moscow shows nervousness
Meloni urged Italy to keep a clear stance, called Russian actions 'provocations', and confirmed a new Italian military aid package to Kyiv.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy maintains clear support for Ukraine and that Moscow's behaviour shows signs of nervousness, speaking at a press conference in Rome.
Meloni characterised what she called the "continuous Russian provocations" as evidence of "some kind of nervousness and agitation in Moscow."
Comments on Salvini meeting and business ties with Russia
Asked about a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and the Russian ambassador in Milan, Meloni said the discussion initially concerned companies that operate in Russia and reiterated that "there has never been an absolute ban on doing business in Russia."
She underlined her repeated point that "If Italy wants to play a certain role, it is important to maintain a clear stance, and that has never changed."
The Italian government has already approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine. The package includes Aster 30 missiles, SAMP/T NG systems and radars, Meloni said.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani earlier announced that a new aid package was being prepared after talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
In a related security development, NATO aircraft shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace.
Photo: EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
