EU Releases $4.4B for Drones Under $102B Ukraine Support Loan
The European Commission has released 3.9 billion euros ($4.4 billion) to Ukraine as the first payment under a 6-billion-euro ($6.8 billion) package dedicated to military drone procurement financed through the EU’s 90-billion-euro ($102 billion) Ukraine Support Loan.
Funding will support the acquisition of drones, one of Kyiv’s highest-priority defense capabilities, and accelerate deliveries to Ukrainian forces.
According to the EU, the payment covers the first portion of Ukraine’s procurement requests, with the remaining funds expected to be disbursed in the coming days following contract verification.
“These investments will help Ukraine protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty, and reinforce Europe’s security,” stated Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
“Europe stands firmly with Ukraine for as long it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
Over $100B Support Program
The Ukraine Support Loan was adopted earlier this year to provide long-term financial and military assistance to Kyiv.
The program allocates 30 billion euros ($34 billion) to budgetary support and 60 billion euros ($70.7 billion) to defense, including investment in Ukraine’s industrial base.
Of that amount, up to 28.3 billion euros ($32.2 billion) is scheduled for disbursement this year to fund capabilities such as drones, ammunition, missiles, and air defense systems.
Before releasing funding, the Commission reviews procurement contracts submitted by Ukraine to ensure purchases comply with the financing conditions agreed with EU member states.
According to the Commission, EU institutions and national governments have provided up to 211.3 billion euros ($240.8 billion) in overall support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including assistance financed through proceeds generated from immobilized Russian assets.
