The European Union approved an additional €6.1 billion, approximately 232 billion baht, on Ukraine's National Day to purchase air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar for Ukraine, as Russia continues escalating missile and drone attacks, especially increased air strikes recently.
The European Union (EU) has approved an additional €6.1 billion, about $7.1 billion USD, in defense support to help Ukraine strengthen its capabilities against Russian attacks. This approval occurred on Ukraine's National Day, 24 August.
This fund will be used to procure urgently needed air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar, which the EU stated are critical for protecting civilians and enhancing Ukraine's airspace defense capabilities.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said Europe's support for Ukraine remains concrete and unwavering. She emphasized that as Russia intensifies its attacks, Europe will accelerate delivering what Ukraine needs, when it is needed.
The European Commission reported that in July alone, Ukraine experienced 376 recorded missile attacks, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen air defense systems. Ukraine particularly requires additional interceptor missiles, notably Patriot air defense systems, to counter Russian strikes on various cities.
This new budget is part of a loan support program for Ukraine with a maximum total of €90 billion for 2026-2027, divided into €30 billion in budget support and €60 billion in defense assistance.
From this total, the EU has already approved €16 billion for defense procurement and disbursed about €8.35 billion to Ukraine. The latest approval aims to ensure Ukraine continuously receives sufficient essential military equipment.
The EU stated that most equipment will be purchased from European defense industry companies. With increases in Russian ballistic missile and jet-powered drone use, Europe must expedite weapon deliveries through stockpiles, reprioritizing orders, and boosting production capacity.
Next steps allow Ukraine to request disbursement by submitting contracts made with equipment manufacturers to the European Commission for review before payment approval, ensuring funds are used according to agreed procurement lists.
Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with over €220.2 billion in various aid, including approximately €3.8 billion sourced from frozen Russian assets.
The EU noted that defense support also aims to help restore and improve Ukraine's defense industry and technology base, supporting the long-term integration of Ukraine's defense industry with Europe's defense industrial base.
.European Commission/ AFP