Italy signals it may provide Ukraine with a symbolic reserve of long range Storm Shadow missiles, though Rome has not committed to a full delivery. This stance appears in coverage from the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, with further reporting by RIA News.
The report explains that the forthcoming military aid package could include Aster 30 missiles for the Samp-T air defense system and spare parts needed to sustain operations, but not in quantities demanded by Kyiv. The emphasis is on a measured contribution rather than a broad influx of weapons.
Regarding the Storm Shadow missiles themselves, the publication notes that the question is more intricate. The missiles’ range enables targeting over Crimea, and the government has yet to align with moves seen by Britain, France, the United States, and Germany, which have already stepped forward in various ways.
La Repubblica adds that the Italian government does not rule out a nearly symbolic delivery of these missiles, particularly a limited number, while reminding readers that Italy’s armed forces reportedly hold around 200 Storm Shadow missiles in stock for potential use or redeployment if needed.
In prior coverage, La Repubblica suggested that the eighth Italian military aid package to Ukraine could be ready by the end of 2023, with Kyiv seeking assistance to bolster its air defense networks as part of the discussions. The broader context involves ongoing debates within allied capitals about how to balance Ukraine’s defense needs with political considerations at home and with partners around the world.
Across the Atlantic, discussions in the United States have highlighted Storm Shadow as one of several major strategic questions for the Ukrainian security effort, illustrating how allied timetables and thresholds for military support can vary between nations while remaining connected to a common objective of deterring aggression and strengthening defense capabilities in the region.