The European Commission has given the green light this Monday for the disbursement of another 6.1 billion euros to Ukraine intended for the acquisition of air defense and anti-missile systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars. This is a new tranche from the 90 billion euro European loan granted to Kiev to respond to the recent attacks with ballistic missiles and Russian drones against the country.
This new allocation adds to the 16 billion already authorized so far, of which 8.35 billion have been effectively transferred. The decision coincides with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, a date on which several European leaders, including the President of the European Council, António Costa, are on an official visit to Kiev.
"Today we have approved 6.1 billion euros for the air defense and anti-missile systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars that Ukraine urgently needs," said the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who reiterated that Europe "will deliver what Ukraine needs, when it needs it."
These resources aim to address the 376 missile attacks recorded in Ukraine only in the month of July, reinforcing the defenses of the country led by Volodymyr Zelensky because "it has become increasingly urgent," as highlighted in a statement from the community executive.
The Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, has focused on that figure of attacks from last month and emphasized that the loan allows Ukraine to "acquire the missiles and air defense systems it urgently needs to protect its population and defend its sovereignty."
According to the Commission, most of the purchases will be made from defense companies based in the EU. In light of Russia's intensified use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, Brussels emphasizes the need for "a significant increase in European deliveries" through stock reduction, prioritization of orders, and strengthening industrial capacity.
"Ukraine's ability to defend itself depends on the rapid availability of essential defense products," continues the official note, which specifies that Kiev can now request payments by presenting signed contracts with defense companies, which will be examined by the Commission before authorizing each disbursement.