EU approves €6.1 billion in defence aid for Ukraine
Funds will buy air-defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars as Russia steps up attacks.
The European Commission approved a €6.1 billion defence assistance package for Ukraine, the Commission said, sending fresh funding for air-defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radar equipment to Kyiv.
The move adds to earlier EU commitments: the previous assistance package amounted to €16 billion, of which €8.35 billion has been disbursed so far.
Bridging capability gaps as attacks intensify
Brussels framed the decision as a response to an escalation on the battlefield. The funds are intended to help Ukraine bolster its ability to protect population centres and critical infrastructure from aerial attacks and missile strikes.
Commenting on the approval, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "As Russia steps up the intensity of its attacks, we are stepping up our support for Ukraine so that it can defend its citizens and its skies. Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we will provide what it needs, when it needs it."
The package is part of a broader EU effort to supply Kyiv with defensive capabilities. Officials say procurement will prioritise systems that can be delivered and deployed quickly to meet urgent operational requirements.
Photo: press material from the event
