The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced this Thursday the granting of an additional 3.3 billion euros to Ukraine for the purchase of missiles and drones, after holding a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Russia is attacking Kiev relentlessly, trying to make everyday life impossible for its inhabitants. Tomorrow we will disburse another 3.3 billion euros to Ukraine for the acquisition of missiles and drones," she indicated in an official statement, reiterating that the EU is "on the side of all Ukrainians."
The community leader reminded that "last week, we approved EU funding for the Patriot systems through our Ukraine Support Loan," although she insisted that "it is clear that more is needed" and that, so far this year, Brussels has mobilized "almost 15 billion euros" in support of Kiev.
"We are willing to use the remaining funds from the SAFE program to launch a new joint defense project program between the EU and Ukraine (...) We will be able to combine battlefield experience and Ukraine's innovation with Europe's technology and industrial strength," she detailed.
Von der Leyen also emphasized that European support "goes far beyond defense," referring to Ukraine's accession process to the community bloc.
"My message to the friends of Ukraine around the world will be simple: Europe is stepping up. Now others must also intensify their support," she concluded.
In parallel, President Zelensky confirmed the conversation, which he described as "very productive," and announced that he will meet again with Von der Leyen next week in New York, coinciding with the celebration of the UN General Assembly.
"We discussed the necessary measures to ensure our resilience in defense, focusing in detail on the issue of funding for Ukraine's defense. (...) The initiative to use the remaining funds from the SAFE program to support new defense projects involving Ukraine and the European Union is very timely and truly necessary," he stated in a message posted on his social media.