EU approves €6.1 billion military aid for Ukraine
Funds are allocated for air-defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars and form part of a larger €90 billion loan package.
The European Union approved a new military aid package of €6.1 billion for Ukraine on 24 August 2026, timed to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day and arriving amid a surge in Russian strikes.
The European Commission said the funds are earmarked for air-defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radar equipment, as Kyiv faces intensified attacks that have included ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles; the Commission noted that 376 rocket attacks were recorded in July alone.
Part of a wider €90 billion loan plan
The €6.1 billion is part of a broader loan package worth up to €90 billion, of which €60 billion is designated for military support. Payments will be disbursed in multiple tranches to help Ukraine sustain its defence against Russian forces and to reduce the risk of state bankruptcy.
The Commission also said that procurement plans previously approved amount to about €16 billion, of which slightly more than €8 billion have already been paid out; most new purchases are expected to be executed through defence companies based in EU member states.
On the same day, leaders from the so-called “Coalition of the Ready” gathered in Kyiv to coordinate further steps and support for Ukraine. Around ten heads of state and government travelled to the Ukrainian capital; among those present were the new British prime minister Andy Barnham and European Council leader Antonio Costa, while other leaders, including German chancellor Friedrich Merz, joined by videolink.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking ahead of planned talks between Ukraine and its allies, said: "As Russia steps up its attacks, we are expanding our support for Ukraine so it can protect its population and defend its airspace." Chancellor Merz, in a video address on platform X, stated: "We stand firmly on the side of Ukraine." Ukraine on 24 August marked its national holiday, commemorating the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union 35 years earlier.
Photo: press material from the event
