European Commission announces disbursement of approximately $4 billion to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities

Brussels, July 30 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Thursday the disbursement of an additional 3.47 billion euros ($3.98 billion) to Ukraine as part of the defense component of the €90 billion ($103.26 billion) support loan package, amid Ukraine’s ongoing need to bolster its defensive capabilities in its war with Russia.

In a press statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union “is investing an additional €3.47 billion ($3.98 billion) today to help protect Ukraine’s skies,” emphasizing that this new tranche, part of the €90 billion ($103.26 billion) loan package, would assist Ukraine in defending its people. She added that the EU is also working to enhance convergence between European and Ukrainian defense industries by combining European industrial capacity with Ukrainian innovation, noting that a “new deal on drones” is beginning to take shape.

Von der Leyen affirmed that “every Russian strike strengthens Ukraine’s determination to be free,” as well as the EU’s resolve to stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

The Commission clarified that this tranche covers an additional slice of the first schedule for drone procurement and also includes funding for the purchase of additional drones, including long-range jet-powered drones, missiles, and Gripen fighter jets, aiming to help Ukraine quickly secure vital equipment. It noted that Ukraine, as a country at war, requires the rapid delivery of critical defense products, and that further support for drones, ammunition, air defense, and missiles will be approved and disbursed in the coming weeks.

For Ukraine, this means faster access to equipment that can help protect its airspace and enhance its defensive capabilities. For Europe, it signifies continued support for a country whose security is directly linked to Europe’s own security.

This disbursement follows previous tranches under the program. In June, the Commission disbursed €3.2 billion ($3.67 billion) to Ukraine under the macro-financial assistance program. Additionally, two further tranches within the defense component, totaling €3.9 billion ($4.47 billion), were disbursed in June 2026, along with €1.1 billion ($1.26 billion) in July of this year. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.K.