EU Approves €6.1 Billion Ukraine Defence Aid

August 24, 2026

AFP__20260821__C68K3G3__v1__HighRes__FilesFranceUkraineRussiaConflictDiplomacy

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron deliver a press conference upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine during the Coalition of the Willing summit on security guarantees for Ukraine, at the Elysee Palace in Paris. AFP

The European Union has approved an additional €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in military support for Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv’s air defence capabilities against continued Russian missile attacks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the new package on Monday, ahead of talks between Ukraine and its allies focused on increasing military assistance.

“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs,” von der Leyen said in a post on X.

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The European Commission said the latest funding comes at a time when Ukraine’s air defence needs have become increasingly urgent, noting that 376 missile strikes were recorded in July alone.

AFP__20260823__C6BW4KQ__v1__HighRes__BritainUkraineRussiaConflictDiplomacy — Participants hold Ukraine flags during a rally outside Downing Street in central London on August 23, 2026, to mark Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence on August 24. (Photo by Toby Shepheard / AFP)

The new allocation is part of a wider €90 billion loan package the EU announced for Ukraine, including €60 billion dedicated to military support. So far, €16 billion has been allocated, while €8.5 billion has already been transferred to Kyiv.

Ukraine has repeatedly appealed for more air defence equipment, particularly Patriot missile systems, which it says are critical to protecting cities and key infrastructure from Russian strikes.

The latest EU support comes as Kyiv continues efforts to secure greater military backing from its international partners, with air defence remaining one of its top priorities in the ongoing war.

The talks between Ukraine and its allies are expected to focus on further assistance as Ukrainian forces seek to counter Russian attacks and maintain protection for civilians across the country.

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