Calling President Zelensky, PM Meloni Affirms Italy's Support for Ukraine

JAKARTA - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday reaffirmed his government's "full support" for Ukraine, while speaking by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky, his office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Meloni, who took office in October, has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, despite friction on the issue within his right-wing ruling coalition and divided public opinion.

"PM Meloni renewed the Italian government's full support for Kyiv in the political, military, economic and humanitarian fields, to improve energy infrastructure and (work) for the future reconstruction of Ukraine," his office said as quoted by Reuters, December 28.

Separately, in a tweet published earlier on Tuesday, President Zelensky thanked PM Meloni for his "solidarity and comprehensive support."

He also said that Italy was considering providing Kyiv with air defense systems.

Last week in a speech to a group of Western leaders, the Ukrainian leader called for a wide range of weapons and air defense systems to help counter the Russian invasion.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Reuters this month, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed that Kyiv had requested air defense systems from Rome, including the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system.

It is known that under the previous government of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Italy sent five aid packages to Kyiv including military equipment. Meanwhile PM Meloni's Government is working on a possible sixth delivery.

Prime Minister Meloni's office said Tuesday he had "confirmed his intention" to visit Kyiv and invited President Zelensky to come to Rome.