€6.1 billion more for Ukraine's air defence

This critical funding will support Ukraine's ability to cope with the continued intensification of Russian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: "Today, we approved €6.1 billion to help Ukraine acquire various defence products in air and missile defence, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare. With this approval, Ukraine can now also acquire the Patriot equipment it needs to better protect its skies from Russia's indiscriminate attacks. Together with our member states and NATO, we will keep delivering results for Ukraine while strengthening Europe's own defence." These funds will support the purchase of defence products from both EU and Ukrainian companies. Following Monday's agreement by EU member states, the decision also allows Ukraine to acquire PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. Funded under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, the package includes five derogations from the standard eligibility conditions: three for drones and components manufactured in Ukraine that exceed cost thresholds, and two for US-manufactured equipment, in particular PAC-3 missiles, including through the NATO-coordinated PURL mechanism. The Ukraine Support Loan includes €30 billion in budget support and €60 billion in defence support for 2026-2027. With this approval, the full €28.3 billion in defence support for Ukraine for 2026 has now been allocated, defining precise equipment purchases, selected suppliers, required quantities and implementation timelines. Ukraine's military advantage depends on the rapid availability of critical products in the quantities needed and on very short timelines. Speeding up deliveries within the EU by drawing down stockpiles, reprioritising orders and ramping up production remains essential. This year, the Commission has already paid Ukraine €8.35 billion in defence funding, with more to follow soon. Background In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467 establishing the Ukraine Support Loan. The regulation provides for support of up to €90 billion for Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and defence industrial capacity, and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience. Following Ukraine's presentation of its financing strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, an implementing decision setting out the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026. The decision provides for support of up to €45 billion for 2026, of which €16.7 billion in budget support and €28.3 billion in support for Ukraine's defence industrial capacity. The budget support component is split equally between a top-up of the Ukraine Facility and a new macro-financial assistance operation, each worth up to €8.35 billion. The defence component focuses on rebuilding and modernising Ukraine's defence industrial and technological base, while supporting its gradual integration into the European defence industrial and technological base. All funding decisions respond to Ukraine's evolving needs and are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with total support worth €220.2 billion, including €3.8 billion from proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.