European Commission Approves 6.1 Billion Euros in Defence Support for Ukraine

The European Commission approved 6.1 billion euros in new defence procurement funding for Ukraine on Monday, Ukraine's Independence Day.

The package will finance air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars. Most of the equipment will come from European defence companies.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe stands with Ukraine and will deliver what it needs when it needs it. The approval adds to 16 billion euros in previously approved procurement plans, of which 8.35 billion euros has already been disbursed.

The money forms part of the 90 billion euro Ukraine Support Loan covering 2026 and 2027. Of that total, 60 billion euros is earmarked for defence, including 28.3 billion euros in 2026 to build Ukraine's defence industrial capacity.

Ukraine can request payments once it submits contracts signed with defence companies. The move comes as Russia continues intensive missile and drone attacks, with 376 missile strikes recorded in one recent month.

European leaders gathered in Kyiv for Independence Day events and a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.