diff --git a/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh b/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
index d7fff94..ce8e12b 100644
--- a/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
+++ b/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@ EOF
 
 # avoid --no-install-recommends for basic programs
 #   like wget, sudo, and openssh
-apt install -y openssh-client openssh-server sudo
+#   also python3 and python3-apt for Ansible
+apt install -y openssh-server sudo \
+    python3 python3-apt
 err=$?
 
 if [ $err -ne 0 ]; then