The European Union has approved an additional €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) in military support for Ukraine, with the latest funding aimed at strengthening the country’s air defence against continued Russian missile attacks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package on Monday, August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, ahead of talks between Kyiv and its allies on further military assistance.
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs,” von der Leyen said in a post on X.
The European Commission said the additional funding comes as Ukraine’s need for air defence has become increasingly urgent. It noted that 376 missile strikes were recorded across the country in July alone.
The latest allocation is part of a wider €90 billion EU loan package announced for Ukraine, with €60 billion earmarked for military support.
Of the military component, €16 billion has so far been allocated, while €8.5 billion has already been transferred to Kyiv.
Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to its international partners for additional air defence equipment, particularly Patriot missile systems, which it says are crucial to protecting major cities and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
The latest EU support comes as Kyiv continues to seek stronger military backing from its allies, with air defence remaining one of its key priorities in the ongoing war.
Talks between Ukraine and its allies are expected to focus on additional military assistance as Ukrainian forces work to counter Russian attacks and improve protection for civilians across the country.
