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Italy Joins Backing Ukraine With US Arms Under NATO’s PURL Program, Reversing Earlier Opposition

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Flags of the European Union, Italy, and Ukraine displayed on Modena’s town hall in solidarity with Ukraine in Modena, Emilia Romagna, Italy. (Source: Getty Images)
Flags of the European Union, Italy, and Ukraine displayed on Modena’s town hall in solidarity with Ukraine in Modena, Emilia Romagna, Italy. (Source: Getty Images)

Italy has signaled its readiness to finance US-made weapons for Ukraine under the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) program, Bloomberg reported on October 20.

According to sources, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto proposed a closed-door meeting of NATO defense ministers. The Italian Defense Ministry has so far declined to comment, according to Bloomberg.

Rome had initially opposed joining the program, insisting that Ukraine already had sufficient channels to acquire weaponry.

However, Italy’s stance has since shifted—partly out of concern it might be left on the sidelines if PURL becomes the main support mechanism among NATO allies.

Italy has already delivered at least ten military aid packages to Ukraine, which reportedly include SAMP/T air-defense systems among other classified items. Despite the country’s limited financial capacity, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni continues to underscore Italy’s political commitment to Kyiv.

Earlier, Sweden’s defense minister warned that Europe must prepare—morally and materially—for the real possibility of a conflict with Russia, saying nations should shift their mindset into “war mode” to deter and defend effectively.

He added that roughly 90 percent of Swedes back higher defense spending and want to maintain or expand support for Ukraine.

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