**Ukraine Discusses Buying Italian Air Defense Systems**
The Ukrainian government is talking to Italy about buying air defense systems and ammunition. The systems will be paid for with money from Russian assets that have been frozen since the start of the war.
According to Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Anatolii Klochko, the country is interested in various types of ammunition and air defense systems. This would help Ukraine strengthen its military without relying on Western donations or straining its budget.
Italy has already provided Ukraine with advanced air defense systems called SAMP/T. The second system was delivered in September 2024.
The Ukrainian government wants to use money from frozen Russian assets to buy more military equipment. In December, Italy approved a decree extending its military support for Ukraine until the end of 2025.
Around $300 billion in Russian assets have been frozen by Western countries and partners since the start of the war. While Kyiv has called for these funds to be confiscated, a $50 billion loan was announced instead. The money will be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction and military needs.
This scheme allows Ukraine to buy arms without relying on donations or straining its budget further.