The EU just released $7 billion for Ukraine to buy Patriot missiles and drones
The money comes from Europe's existing loan to Kyiv, and the decision finally lets Ukraine place orders for the American interceptors it cannot build itself.
The European Commission has greenlit a €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) allocation for Ukraine's air defense, drones, and missiles, announced by Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius on September 12. This decision allows Ukraine to procure American Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors for its existing Patriot launchers, with five exceptions to EU purchasing rules.
The funding marks the completion of all defense-related money Europe has earmarked for Ukraine this year. Despite Russia's relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, Ukraine's defense relies on two supply chains—the American interceptor pipeline, which takes years to materialize, and a domestic drone industry constrained by market demand.
The funding, part of a €90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, is earmarked for weapons purchases through 2027. The package includes three exceptions for Ukrainian-made drones and components and two for American equipment, such as the PAC-3 missiles.
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