EU releases €1.24 billion for Ukrainian-made drones and munitions
The European Union has released €1.24 billion for Ukraine to buy drones, drone interceptors, drone ammunition and munitions manufactured domestically in a bid to push back against Russia's ongoing and escalated air attacks.
On Wednesday, the European Commission announced a €1.24 billion release to Ukraine for the purchase of domestically manufactured drones, drone interceptors, drone ammunition and munitions. President of the EU executive, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the funding allocation aimed to protect people and infrastructure in Ukraine against Russia's terror strategy.
This disbursement would strengthen Ukraine's defense industry and its ability to defend itself, she said. The funding announcement coincides with Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has taken on an aggressive aerial campaign, putting Kyiv on near-constant alert and disrupting daily life. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi expressed gratitude for the EU's pledge, stating that the funds would be directed towards their most urgent defense needs.
Following deadly attacks in Ukraine's Chernihiv region and the cities of Dnipro and Kremenchuk, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the vital necessity for air defense packages. This allocation is part of the EU's Ukraine Support Loan, totaling €90 billion from 2026-2027, with two-thirds earmarked for military and defense needs.
Brussels plans to disburse a total of €28.3 billion in 2026 to support Ukraine's security, with future defense funding releases planned in the coming weeks.
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