European Commission Provides $3.18 Billion to Ukraine to Meet Urgent Military Needs

Brussels, October 14 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Wednesday the disbursement of 2.86 billion euros ($3.18 billion) to Ukraine as part of the broader €90 billion ($100 billion) support package, to finance the procurement of drones, air defense systems, missiles, radars, electronic warfare systems, and ammunition.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement that Russia continues to escalate its aerial attacks, targeting civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine, even as its operations along the front lines have slowed. She added that European support aims to help Ukraine protect its airspace, save lives, and meet its most urgent operational needs, including the drones and missiles essential for its defense.

The statement clarified that the Ukraine Support Loan includes €60 billion ($66 billion) for defense and €30 billion ($33 billion) for budgetary assistance during 2026 and 2027. It noted that €28.3 billion ($31.5 billion) is scheduled to be disbursed in 2026 to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, with additional payments under the loan’s defense component to follow in the coming weeks.

The statement emphasized that the urgent delivery of defense equipment is particularly critical as Ukraine prepares for its fourth winter since the start of Russia’s military operations, enabling the Ukrainian Armed Forces to protect civilians and cities from Russian attacks.

It further indicated that €4.4 billion ($4.9 billion) remains available to support the budget this year under the previous Ukraine Facility, and that total budgetary support available in the remaining months of the year exceeds €17 billion ($18.91 billion), subject to the fulfillment of relevant conditions outlined in Ukraine’s plan and the memorandum of understanding between the two parties. (End) A.R.N. / F.S.