European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will provide Ukraine with €3.3 billion (about $3.81 billion) in funding for weaponry.
Part of the funds will go directly toward purchasing arms, while the remainder is expected to support new joint defense projects with Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission will approve the transfer of an additional €3.3 billion (about $3.81 billion) to Ukraine for the procurement of missiles and drones, according to a statement released after her phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
She noted that Russia continues to carry out systematic attacks on Kyiv, aiming to make daily life unbearable for its residents. “We stand with them. And with all Ukrainians,” von der Leyen said.
Last week, the European Union approved financing for the purchase of Patriot missile systems for Ukraine as part of its loan program to support the country. This marks the first time the EU has directly funded the supply of PAC-3 missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Von der Leyen added that the remainder of the EU’s SAFE program, a defense loan facility with a capacity of up to €150 billion (about $173 billion), would be allocated to a new initiative for joint defense projects with Ukraine.
Under this plan, Brussels and Kyiv are set to develop a European air and missile defense system based on the Freyja joint development. The goal is to help the EU reduce its dependence on US-made Patriot missile interceptors.
“We will be able to combine Ukraine’s combat experience and innovative solutions with Europe’s technological and industrial capacity,” von der Leyen explained.
EU support for Ukraine goes beyond defense. Brussels has already provided Ukraine with nearly €15 billion (about $17.3 billion) in aid this year. According to von der Leyen, the total value of assistance is expected to continue to increase.
Zelensky and the European Commission president also discussed the reforms that Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, needs to pass in order to unlock further financial assistance and advance Ukraine’s EU membership bid.
Next week, von der Leyen is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She said that during the event, she will deliver a clear message to Ukraine’s allies: Europe is increasing its support, and now it is time for other partners to step up as well.
To date, the European Union has allocated €6.1 billion (about $7.04 billion) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
These funds will be used for air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar equipment. Meanwhile, European countries are seeking more affordable missiles for mass production, as the supply of expensive interceptors remains limited.
Ukraine and its European partners are also continuing work on the Freyja system.
The first stage of its development has been completed, and testing is slated to begin by the end of the year.
Von der Leyen said Freyja will form the foundation of a joint European-Ukrainian missile defense system.
(UAWire)
