“Never before has it been so important to emphasize the will to ensure that the attacked David has the resources to defend himself against the Russian Goliath,” Tajani told parliament.

He said Italy, which has approved eight military aid packages for Ukraine so far, is expected to finalize the pact in the coming days, adding that helping Kyiv was crucial to ensuring a “just and durable peace.”

Under the deal, Italy will reiterate commitments to humanitarian assistance and protection of critical infrastructure and pledge support for Kyiv’s efforts to adopt the reforms required to join the European Union.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will chair a video conference meeting with fellow G7 leaders to discuss support for Ukraine on February 24, the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join the meeting, which Italian diplomatic sources say will result in a joint statement reiterating the group’s support for Kyiv.

Other deals

Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven major democracies (G7), will sign the bilateral deal after Germany, France, and Britain announced similar pacts to help Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion.

The recent deals involve commitments to deliver more arms and train soldiers. Paris also committed to earmark up to EUR 3 bn in military aid to Ukraine in 2024.

Minister Tajani gave no financial details of Italy’s agreement but said that “at a time when Ukraine is under constant attack by Russia, it sends a clear message that we defend international law.”