**Italy Extends Military Support to Ukraine Through 2025**
The Italian government has approved a decree to extend its military support to Ukraine through the end of 2025. This move reinforces Italy’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Italy has delivered 10 military aid packages to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government. These packages have included advanced systems like the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense units.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently supported Kyiv and pledged unwavering assistance until the war ends. Her stance comes amid questions about the United States’ future approach under President Donald Trump, who has indicated that U.S. support for NATO countries not meeting their commitments could be reduced and has alluded to cutting back aid to Ukraine.
**NATO’s Call for Enhanced Military Aid**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on alliance members to enhance military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to strengthen Kyiv’s position ahead of potential peace talks with Russia. NATO has condemned Russia’s aggression and reaffirmed its backing for Kyiv.
Italy’s commitment to supporting Ukraine comes as Europe is unlikely to ramp up weapons and ammunition production for Ukraine in the coming years, according to Andrius Kubilius, the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Defense and Space.
**Ukraine Seeks to Improve Energy Security**
Anti-drone shelters will be constructed with funding to protect electricity transmission equipment and make Ukraine’s energy grid more reliable and resilient. The U.S. is planning to impose additional sanctions on Russian oil by the end of the year, particularly targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
The criticism followed Fico’s meeting with Putin in Moscow to discuss gas supplies after Ukraine announced it would not extend its transit deal for Russian gas beyond Dec. 31.
**Ukraine’s National Securities and Stock Market Commission Announces Ban on Withdrawal of Foreign Issuer Securities**
The Ukrainian government has prohibited the withdrawal of foreign issuer securities, effective January 1, 2024.
**Nearly Half of Ukrainians Support Ukraine Joining NATO**
A new poll shows that nearly half of Ukrainians support Ukraine joining NATO even if some territories remain under Russian occupation at the time of accession.