EU allocates another €2.86 billion to Ukraine for defense
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union has allocated Ukraine an additional €2.86 billion under the defense component of the Ukraine Support Loan, according to the European Commission’s press service and Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi’s Telegram channel.
The funds will be used to purchase drones, air defense equipment, missiles, radar stations, electronic warfare systems, and ammunition.
The European Commission noted that as Ukraine prepares for its fourth winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the urgent delivery of defense equipment will ensure that its Armed Forces can protect civilians and cities from Russian attacks.
"Europe's steadfast support matters more than ever to help Ukraine protect its skies and save lives," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed.
Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with a total of €231.5 billion in support, including €3.8 billion from proceeds generated by frozen Russian assets.
Koretskyi noted that amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, this support is vital.
"More drones, air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition mean more reliable protection for our people and stronger capabilities for our defenders on the front line," the prime minister emphasized.
According to him, the Ukrainian government continues to work with European partners to ensure that the remaining defense funding is provided without delays.
Gap in the Defense Ministry’s budget and EU assistance
At the end of August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an urgent need for additional funding for the Defense Forces.
According to him, Ukraine needs $27 billion, around $10 billion of which is required by the end of this year.
The Defense Ministry’s budget shortfall partly concerns military personnel payments, but is primarily related to funding for missiles and drones.
The Ministry of Defense said it had already developed a plan to cover the funding needs. However, according to RBC-Ukraine sources, the issue needed to be resolved during September to prevent the Defense Forces from facing a serious funding shortage in October.
Recently, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi announced that Ukraine had received a €3.3 billion tranche from the EU under the Ukraine Support Loan program. The funds will go toward urgent defense needs.
On October 7, Ukraine received another €1.2 billion from the European Union under the Ukraine Support Loan program for defense.
