EU Approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine’s Defence
For new defence systems, such as air defence, missiles, ammunition and radars
Synopsis
The European Union (EU) has stated that this recent aid package came on top of €16 billion of previously approved procurement plans, of which €8.35 billion had already been handed out.
Ukraine’s Position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Kyiv is awaiting €30 billion ($35 billion) in European funding to meet the country’s defence requirements.
He added that the funds were required for national defence and hence urged the government and opposition lawmakers to support the measures. The request has come after Ukraine’s Defence Ministry faced a shortage in its $27 billion budget. Hence, Ukraine must now replace those funds and cover the spending for the rest of the year.
Why is the Funding Required?
Due to the shortage in the budget, of the $27 billion shortage, between $8 billion and $10 billion is required in advance to order weapons and other supplies for January 2027. Nearly $20 billion is needed to cover military salaries, payments to the families of the troops killed in the war, and other defence costs.
Zelensky has said that he was working with French and German counterparts to secure the funding that is required by the country.
Ukraine is seeking early access to the next share of European funding, as the country struggles to finance its military and counter ballistic missile attacks.
Statement from the European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, "As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands with Ukraine, and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it."
The announcement has come as the European Commission has approved €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in planned Ukrainian purchases of air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars.
To avail the funding, Ukraine must first submit signed contracts with defence companies, which the European Commission will review before releasing the funds required.
The funding comes from the €90 billion ($ 104.9 billion) Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027. Of the total, €30 billion ($35 billion) is intended for Ukraine’s state budget and €60 billion ($70 billion) for defence.