Today, 24 August, the European Commission approved new defence procurement for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion. The funding covers air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
This was reported by the European Commission’s press service.
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Europe is showing that our support is unwavering and concrete. Today we approved €6.1 billion for air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs. As Russia steps up its attacks, we are working to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands with Ukraine, and we will provide what it needs, when it needs it,” commented European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 24, 2026
Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs.
Europe stands with you today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.
З Днем… pic.twitter.com/QCg62KaXqW
The funding is part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (UASL). The money is being provided in response to intensified Russian ballistic missile and drone attacks. The Commission notes that with 376 missile strikes recorded in July alone, strengthening Ukraine’s defences is becoming ever more urgent.
The approval complements procurement plans already endorsed totalling €16 billion, of which €8.35 billion has already been provided. Most procurement will be carried out from EU defence companies.
“In view of Russia’s increased use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, the Commission stresses the need to significantly increase supplies to the EU by drawing down stocks, reprioritising orders and ramping up production,” the press release said.
It adds that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself depends on the rapid availability of critical defence products. The UASL programme provides for €30 billion in budget support and €60 billion for defence over 2026–2027, including €28.3 billion in 2026 to strengthen Ukraine’s defence-industrial capacity.
Ukraine can request payments by submitting contracts signed with defence companies. The Commission will review these contracts before disbursing funds to ensure the financial assistance is used for procurement agreed with Member States and the Commission.
In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council approved a Ukraine support loan of up to €90 billion. This support has two complementary components: strengthening Ukraine’s defence capability and defence-industrial potential, and support to sustain core state functions, public services and economic resilience.
After Ukraine submitted its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council on 23 April adopted an implementing decision to allocate up to €45 billion for 2026. This includes €16.7 billion in budget support, split equally between the Ukraine Facility and Macro-Financial Assistance, each amounting to up to €8.35 billion, and €28.3 billion for defence-industrial capacity.
Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided Ukraine with total support of €220.2 billion, including €3.8 billion from proceeds generated by frozen Russian assets.