The EU agrees to donate EUR 6.1 billion to Ukraine for the purchase of missiles and air defence systems

On Monday, the European Commission approved a further payment of EUR 6.1 billion to Ukraine for air defence and the purchase of anti-missile systems, missiles, ammunition and radar, another payment from the EUR 90 billion loan that the European Union will receive from Kiev to deal with Russian attacks on the country.

In fact, in July there were 376 Russian attacks and, according to the European Commission, the strengthening of the country's defenses led by Volodimir Zelensky "has become increasingly urgent." In this context, Usula von der Leyen has ensured that Europe "will give Ukraine everything it needs, at the time it needs it."

In the same vein, the Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, stressed that this loan "enables Ukraine to access the missiles and air defense systems it urgently needs to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty."

This item, which is in addition to the EUR 16 billion previously authorised, has been approved coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union and, in the context of the anniversary, several European leaders, including the President of the European Council, António Costa, are visiting Kiev on Monday.

European Union companies

Most of the purchases to be financed from European funds, according to a European Commission note, will be made to EU defence companies . The same note also states the need to "significantly increase deliveries" fromthe EU by reducing stocks,prioritising orders and increasing production.

"Ukraine's ability to defend itself depends on the rapid availability of essential defence products," the statement states, which specifies that Kiev will be able to request payments through the submission of contracts with defence companies, which will be reviewed by the Commission.