rki.news | Source: Xinhua
BRUSSELS, Aug. 24: The European Commission on Monday approved 6.1 billion euros (about $7.12 billion) in new defense procurement for Ukraine, covering air defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
The latest approval comes in addition to 16 billion euros in previously approved procurement plans, of which 8.35 billion euros have already been disbursed.
Most equipment will be sourced from European Union defense companies.
Russia’s increased use of ballistic missiles and jet-engined drones has heightened the need to accelerate deliveries to Ukraine by reprioritizing orders and increasing production, the Commission said.
The funding will come from the EU’s 90-billion-euro Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU in February.
Ukraine can request payments after signing procurement contracts with defense companies. The Commission will review contracts before releasing funds to ensure purchases comply with procurement plans agreed upon by EU member states.
The Commission said the EU and its member states have provided 220.2 billion euros in overall support to Ukraine since 2022, including 3.8 billion euros from proceeds generated by immobilized Russian assets.