As Ukraine continues to sustain brutal Russian bombardment, the European Union has approved €6.1 billion for the war-torn country’s defences as part of the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme.
The European Union has approved Ukraine’s next defence spending envelope of €6.1 billion for defence procurement as part of the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme, the EU executive announced Monday.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement the defence funding aims to supply Kyiv with air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
“As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies,” she said.
“Europe stands with Ukraine and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it.”
European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius said in the face of "relentless" Russian aggression the EU is taking concrete action to support Ukraine.
"We are enabling Ukraine to procure the missiles and air-defence systems it urgently needs to protect its people and defend its sovereignty," he said.
The Commission said most of the procurements will be sourced from European defence companies, with an emphasis on firepower to counter Russia's "intensified use" of ballistic missiles and jet-engine drones.
The funding pledge comes at an opportune moment as Ukraine sustained 376 missile strikes in the month of June alone, and 24 August marks Ukraine's Independence Day.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi welcomed the announcement in a post on social media platform X.
Coalition of the Willing
Meanwhile, allies — such as European Council President António Costa — are gathering in the Ukrainian capital on Monday for a Coalition of the Willing meeting aimed at drumming up additional air support and energy supplies for the country as it edges closer to winter.
In a speech marking the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, Costa said European solidarity has been strong and "unwavering" since the start of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion.
"We have always been with you in providing political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support, and in jointly building the Coalition of the Willing, which will provide you with strong security guarantees once this terrible war is over," he said.
"So that it never happens again."
Several leaders will also attend the meeting in person, such as Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will travel to Ukraine for his first meeting as part of the framework and is reportedly expected to hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles.