Cabinet approves extension of military aid to Ukraine

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 19 - The cabinet on Tuesday approved a law decree extending by one year the provision of weapons, vehicles and equipment to Ukraine.
    "Once again, Italy has chosen to be on the side of the freedom of nations and respect for international law, with the aim of reaching, in line with the position taken by NATO and EU allies, a just and lasting peace," said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
    The decree law, which extends until the end of 2024 military aid to Ukraine in the war sparked by Russia's invasion in February 2022, must now be approved by parliament.
    "I would like to point out that there is no political problem on support for Ukraine within the government majority, which intends to respect the role and scrutiny of parliament," added Crosetto.
    The decision was taken on the initiative of the defence minister, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and, Crosetto said, "with the agreement of the entire government".
    "The prolongation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, in an international scenario aggravated by the Middle East crisis and the war between Israel and Hamas, requires the Meloni government to make a choice of coherence and support and, therefore, of an extension of aid to Ukraine, in line with the international commitments made by Italy in the EU and NATO," he added. (ANSA).