Italy has declined to join a NATO program aimed at purchasing US military equipment for Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stating on 3/12/2024 that it is "still too early" to commit. Tajani cited ongoing peace efforts, emphasizing that if an agreement is reached and fighting ceases, weapons would no longer be necessary, with security guarantees becoming the priority. This decision comes despite earlier indications that Italy might support the initiative.

The program, known as Ukraine's Priority Requirements List (PURL) mechanism, was established by NATO in early August 2024. It involves European member states and Canada contributing funds to acquire US weapons for transfer to Ukraine. Initially hesitant, Italy had signaled its readiness to participate in October 2024.

Ukrainian service members load ammunition into a Leopard 2A4 tank in April. Photo: AFP

Italy has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began in early 2022, providing military equipment, humanitarian aid, and training as part of joint European Union (EU) and NATO efforts. However, Foreign Minister Tajani's recent statement signals a clear shift in Italy's strategy towards Ukraine, influenced by Rome's budget constraints and internal rifts within its ruling coalition.

While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government maintains its commitment to supporting Kyiv, Italy is the first European nation to publicly suggest that weapon transfers should cease during ceasefire negotiations. This stance persists despite recent peace efforts having yet to yield concrete results.

In a related development, the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association (ASD), the continent's defense lobbying group, advised on 2/12/2024 that Europe should continue to boost defense production, irrespective of a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kyiv has stated its need for approximately USD 1,2 billion worth of additional weapons from the PURL program to bolster its defenses through winter. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, nearly two-thirds of the bloc's members are already participating in this mechanism.

Pham Giang (According to Kyiv Post, Reuters)