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European Commission allocates 2.86 billion euros for Ukraine’s defense
The European Commission has allocated 2.86 billion euros (about $3.2 billion) to Ukraine for the purchase of drones, air defense systems, missiles, radar stations, electronic warfare systems and munitions, the Commission’s press service said on Wednesday, October 14.
“Europe’s unwavering support is more vital than ever to help Ukraine defend its airspace and save lives,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The funds are part of a 90 billion euro (about $100.7 billion) credit package to support Kyiv. Of this amount, 60 billion euros (about $67 billion) are earmarked for defense needs, and 30 billion euros (about $33.6 billion) for budget support in 2026-2027.
Ukraine is preparing for its fourth winter since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, and the urgent delivery of defense equipment is intended to ensure that the country's Armed Forces can protect civilians and cities from attacks, officials in Brussels said.
Since 2022, the European Union and its member states have provided Ukraine with a total of 231.5 billion euros (about $259 billion) in support, including 3.8 billion euros (about $4.3 billion) drawn from frozen Russian assets.
More than 17 billion euros (about $19 billion) in budget support remain available through the end of the year, provided that Ukraine meets the requirements set out in the “Plan for Ukraine” and the Memorandum of Understanding, officials at the Commission added.
In August, Kyiv estimated its additional defense funding gap for 2026 at $27 billion (24 billion euros). Part of this sum was needed for advance payments on drones and other weaponry that Ukraine hoped to acquire at the start of 2027.
Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko told Dzerkalo Tyzhnia on September 28 that since August, the deficit had decreased. He said some expenses, including military salaries, had been covered from domestic sources, but added that some planned procurements could not be carried out on schedule.
Ukraine is continuing talks with its partners to address its remaining funding needs, including the possibility of making advance payments on weaponry required in early 2027.
