The European Union is preparing to provide €6.1 billion in assistance to Ukraine, primarily to help Kyiv purchase military equipment, including Patriot air-defense systems and interceptors needed to protect against Russian ballistic missiles.
The funding, announced Friday, will come from the EU’s €90 billion support loan package for Ukraine. The package includes €28 billion for military assistance and an additional €16 billion for budget support during the year.
Some of the loan’s conditions will be waived to allow Ukraine to procure Patriot systems, which are manufactured in the United States, as well as drones that rely on Chinese components.
The €6.1 billion represents the final disbursement under the €28 billion military-support package for Ukraine.
Payments are being made gradually as Brussels reviews and verifies contracts signed by Kyiv with private companies. So far, Ukraine has received €8.35 billion in defense funding.
“The Ukrainian armed forces are heavily dependent on critical products that require specific quantities within a short period of time. Therefore, EU assistance remains vital,” European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius said at a press conference.
The latest funding comes as Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks, making advanced air-defense capabilities, including Patriot systems, a critical component of the country’s defense.
