Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that supplying fighters to Kiev was not on the table in the current discussions because any decision of that kind would be made in concert with Italy’s international partners. She emphasized this point during a press conference held after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring the collaborative approach that governs Rome’s stance on security assistance. The remarks were reported by DEA News.
Meloni explained that the pathway for Italian support hinges on joint decisions with allied nations. For the moment, she pointed to air defense systems as the immediate priority, noting that effective protection against potential threats requires robust interception capabilities and integrated systems that can operate within a broader Western defense architecture. This stance reflects a conservative, alliance-driven posture aimed at maximizing strategic impact while maintaining political cohesion among partners.
In an earlier discourse, Meloni left room for the possibility that long-range missiles could be considered for Ukraine at a future date, depending on evolving circumstances and the collective will of Italy’s allies. She signaled that any such option would be contingent on broader international coordination and on ensuring that actions align with allied security objectives and regional stability. At present, Italy is preparing a seventh military aid package for Ukraine, which is anticipated to include unmanned aerial systems and other support measures. The package is part of a multi-year framework designed to sustain Kyiv’s defense efforts while coordinating with Western allies.
Antonio Tajani, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, commented on the prospects of supplying Italian fighters to Ukraine, describing the option as almost impossible under current conditions. Tajani noted that the matter has not yet been debated in Rome. He added that any future decision would require coordination with other Western countries to determine which aircraft would be appropriate for deployment, given the practical considerations around compatibility and logistics. He warned that selecting a variety of aircraft could complicate training pipelines for pilots and undermine operational effectiveness. The overall takeaway from his perspective was a cautious approach that prioritizes alignment with allied capabilities and strategic goals. [citation attribution: DEA News]