Italy to send weapons to Ukraine

The Italian Parliament has approved arms deliveries to Ukraine.

This was stated by Prime Minister Mario Draghi in an interview with Corriere della Sera, Ukrinform reports.

"The decision to send weapons was made in parliament almost unanimously. The terms of the issue are clear: on the one hand, there are the people who were attacked, on the other hand – the army of the aggressor," Draghi said.

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Sanctions against Russia are needed to weaken the aggressor, but cannot stop the troops in the short term, Draghi added. Therefore, according to the head of government, Ukrainians need to be helped directly with weapons.

"To not do so would be tantamount to telling them: surrender, accept slavery and subjugation – a message that runs counter to our European values ​​of solidarity. Instead, we want to allow Ukrainians to defend themselves," Draghi said.

Draghi admitted that at first he thought Russia would gain a quick victory, but now "there are no signs that the Ukrainian people will be able to accept the Russian occupation."

As reported, on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying infrastructure and residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages, using artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and ballistic missiles.

Martial law was imposed and general mobilization was announced in Ukraine. The nation has been repelling Russian invaders.