Unmet EU reform requirements cost Ukraine about 5 billion euros, Zerkal says

On October 7, the European Commission disbursed 1.24 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in defense support to Ukraine, as part of a larger 90 billion euro ($100 billion) support loan for the country. The funds are intended to bolster Ukraine's defense industry, enabling it to better protect its people and infrastructure, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The money will be allocated for the procurement of drones, drone interceptors, ammunition, and missiles produced by Ukrainian entities, as stated in a press release. The 90 billion euro loan, approved in April 2026, was designed to cover two-thirds of Kyiv's financial and defense requirements until the end of 2027. As of October 7, 15.4 billion euros ($17.2 billion) of the 28.3 billion euros ($31.7 billion) allocated for defense in 2026 remains to be disbursed, contingent upon Ukraine's submission of receipts for expenditure.

The EU previously permitted Ukraine to acquire Patriot PAC-3 ballistic missile interceptors from the United States in September. Beyond defense funding, the loan also encompasses 17.1 billion euros ($19.1 billion) in budgetary assistance for Ukraine, provided Ukraine implements political and economic reforms. In addition to the pending defense support, Ukraine still possesses 32.5 billion euros ($36.4 billion) in financial aid for the remainder of 2026.

The package also includes budgetary support valued at 17.1 billion euros ($19.1 billion) in exchange for Ukraine's commitment to economic and political reforms.