The Italian government of Mario Draghi (former Prime Minister of Italy) quietly transferred a significant amount of heavy weapons to Ukraine, including multiple-launch rocket systems and self-propelled artillery. It became known on October 30, 2022.
Source: Italian government
The fifth package of military aid, announced on October 17, includes the supply of 20 to 30 M109L self-propelled artillery units to Ukraine. This is the Italian version of the American self-propelled gun, which was manufactured at the end of the Cold War and is now in storage.
Ukraine has about 50 M109 self-propelled guns from Great Britain, Norway and Latvia in service.
Italy also gave Ukraine six PzH 2000 howitzers (out of 68 it had), two MLRS multiple-launch rocket systems (out of 18) and dozens of M113 infantry fighting vehicles as part of military aid.
“A complex operation to move weapons and ammunition through Europe took place without incident in the strictest secrecy. Its result is not only military, but primarily political – Mario Draghi’s government made an important choice regarding its position in the international conflict. Now, Giorgia Meloni’s [new Italian Prime Minister – ed.] government must decide whether to continue this line or not,” the publication “La Repubblica” writes.
See also: Next Prime Minister of Italy promised to continue supporting Ukraine in the war
