(Photo: Anadolu)
BRUSSELS – The European Union will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine for defense needs, including missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Von der Leyen said the payment forms part of the EU’s broader Ukraine Support Loan, which provides financing for both budgetary needs and defense. For 2026, €28.3 billion has been earmarked to support Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity.
She said the latest support comes as Russian attacks continue to target Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.
Von der Leyen also said EU financing had recently been approved for Patriot air-defense systems, enabling Ukraine to purchase US-made Patriot interceptors used against ballistic missiles.
She added that Brussels is prepared to use remaining resources under the Security Action for Europe instrument to support new joint EU-Ukraine defense projects. Ukraine is eligible to participate in common procurement under SAFE, which provides up to €150 billion in loans for defense investment by EU member states.
Von der Leyen said the EU also wants to develop a European air and missile defense system with Ukraine, combining Ukrainian battlefield experience with European technology and industrial capacity.