Extending a Helping Hand: How Russia is Aiding Italy's Fight Against Raging COVID-19 Pandemic

On 21 March, Russian President Vladimir Putin in talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte confirmed Russia's readiness to provide prompt assistance to Italy in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

Nine Russian Aerospace Forces' aircraft have delivered equipment and around 100 military experts to Italy to help it fight the coronavirus.

According to the Defence Ministry, Russia has sent medical virologists, doctors who have a great experience in fighting epidemics, medical equipment, and vehicles for aerosol disinfection to Italy.

Per Johns Hopkins University, there are currently over 59,100 coronavirus cases registered in Italy and more than 5,470 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in the country.

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A car with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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A Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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Military specialists boarding a Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft.

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Cars with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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A car with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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Military specialists boarding a Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft.

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A car with medical equipment bound for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus being loaded onto a Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft.

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A Russian Air Force IL-76 MD military transport aircraft with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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A car with medical equipment intended for Italy to combat the COVID-19 virus being loading onto a Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft.

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Italian military personnel wait at Pratica di Mare Air Base for a Russian Air Force Il-76 MD military transport aircraft with medical equipment to combat the COVID-19 virus.

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A Russian Air Force IL-76 MD military transport aircraft with medical equipment to battle the COVID-19 virus at the Pratica di Mare Air Base.

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The Chief of the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces thanks Russia for its assistance in the fight against the coronavirus.