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EU funds Ukraine defences
On Monday, the European Commission approved a further €6.1 billion ($7.12 billion) in financial aid for Ukraine to procure new defence systems, including air defence, missiles, ammunition and radars.
“approved a further €6.1 billion ($7.12 billion) in financial aid for Ukraine”
Reuters said the latest aid package came on top of €16 billion of previously approved procurement plans, of which €8.35 billion had already been disbursed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, "As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies."
Euronews reported the €6.1 billion approval as part of the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme, with the EU executive saying the defence spending envelope would supply Kyiv with air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
Von der Leyen and Kubilius
Euronews quoted von der Leyen saying, "Europe stands with Ukraine and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it," as it described the funding as a response to Russia’s bombardment.
Euronews also quoted European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius saying, "We are enabling Ukraine to procure the missiles and air-defence systems it urgently needs to protect its people and defend its sovereignty."
The Anadolu Ajansı report said the €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) approval was made on Monday, and it framed the decision as part of the €90 billion ($105.1 billion) Ukraine Support Loan.
Anadolu Ajansı added that the commission said Russia’s increased use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones made it increasingly urgent to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and accelerate deliveries of critical defence equipment.
What happens next
The EU Commission said most procurements will be sourced from European defence companies, and it emphasized a need for increased deliveries through drawing on existing stocks, reprioritizing orders and increasing production, according to Anadolu Ajansı.
“Ukraine can request payments by submitting contracts signed with defense companies”
Anadolu Ajansı reported that Ukraine can request payments by submitting contracts signed with defence companies, and it said the commission will review the contracts before releasing funds.
The Kyiv Independent said the money being disbursed comes from the 90 billion euro ($105 billion) Ukraine Support Loan and that the bloc finalized it in April to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's defense and budgetary needs until the end of 2027.
The Kyiv Independent also reported that of nine product schedules submitted by Mykhailo Fedorov, seven have been approved, bringing the total of approved product schedules to 11, while two remaining lists include a request to use EU funds to purchase U.S.-sourced Patriot missiles that requires an exemption from EU member states.