The EU transferred 2.86 billion euros to Ukraine for defense: what will the funds be used for?
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Ukraine has received 2.86 billion euros from the European Union to strengthen its defense. The money will be used to purchase weapons and equipment needed to protect against Russian attacks.
The European Commission reported on the receipt of funds.
Among the planned purchases are air defense systems, drones, missiles, radar stations, electronic warfare equipment, and ammunition.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia is stepping up air strikes despite difficulties on the front line. She said Ukraine needs European help to protect its airspace and save lives.
“Today’s tranche of €2.86 billion will meet Ukraine’s most urgent operational needs, including drones and missiles that are vital for its defense,” von der Leyen stressed.
The new tranche is part of the Ukraine Support Loan financial program, under which the EU plans to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros during 2026–2027. The majority of the amount — 60 billion euros — has been earmarked for defense and the development of the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex. The remaining 30 billion euros are to be allocated to budgetary needs.
Separately, the European Commission plans to allocate €28.3 billion to support the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex during 2026. The next payments under the defense part of the program are expected in the coming weeks.
Ukraine may also receive another €29.64 billion in financial assistance from the EU by the end of the year. Of this amount, €25.24 billion is provided under the Ukraine Support Loan program, and another €4.4 billion remains under the Ukraine Facility program.
Thus, over 17 billion euros are foreseen for budget support to Ukraine until the end of 2026. However, to receive these funds, Ukraine must fulfill the conditions set out in the Plan for Ukraine and the Memorandum of Understanding.
As previously reported, the European Commission made remarks to Ukraine regarding the continuation of funding in 2026 of the national telethon “United News” despite the decline in trust and coverage.
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