Key facts
- The European Commission approved an additional €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in defense loans for Ukraine.
- The funds will be used for air defenses, missiles, ammunition, and radars.
- This aid is part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, designed to cover defense and budgetary needs until the end of 2027.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized unwavering European support for Ukraine.
- Ukraine has identified air defense systems as a critical need due to intensified Russian attacks.
The European Commission has approved an additional €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in defense loans for Ukraine, announced on Ukraine's Independence Day. This funding is earmarked for crucial defense procurements, including air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars, to help Ukraine counter escalating Russian attacks. The aid package is part of the broader €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, finalized in April, which aims to cover Ukraine's defense and budgetary needs through the end of 2027. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed Europe's steadfast commitment, stating, "Europe stands with Ukraine, and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it." The urgency is underscored by Russia's intensified strikes, with 376 missile attacks recorded in July alone. Ukraine has prioritized air defense systems due to dwindling supplies and ongoing Russian assaults. Several defense equipment requests submitted by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov have been approved, though some, like U.S.-sourced Patriot missiles, require further exemptions. The approved packages include some European anti-ballistic capabilities, such as the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system.