Brussels sends €2.86 billion military aid to Kyiv forces
The European Union disbursed €2.86 billion (approx. 57.3 billion MDL) in military assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday under its broader €90 billion support loan facility, Ukrainian media reported.
“With today's payment of €2.86 billion, we continue to deliver on Ukraine's most urgent operational needs,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The funds will finance the procurement of drones, air defence systems, missiles, radars, electronic warfare systems, and ammunition, the European Commission said in an official statement.
Boosting air defence before EU summit
“As Russia remains stalled on the front line but continues to escalate air attacks, cruelly targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, Europe's steadfast support matters more than ever to help Ukraine protect its skies,” von der Leyen said.
The disbursement comes one day before European Union leaders convene in Brussels for a two-day summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate.
“Ukraine will be in focus at this week's European Council,” von der Leyen said on October 11 following a telephone conversation with Zelenskyy.
The latest instalment was finalised during that call, prompting Zelenskyy to express gratitude in a statement on Telegram.
“These funds will make us stronger,” Zelenskyy said.
Tracking the €90 billion loan
The transfer follows an earlier tranche of €124 million released for defence needs on October 7, with additional payments from the bloc expected before the end of the year.
Out of the total €90 billion EU loan package, €28.3 billion has been allocated to meet Ukraine's military requirements in 2026, of which €18.26 billion has already been transferred.
Ukraine's spending plans for the remaining €10 billion have secured EU approval, leaving Kyiv to submit supporting documentation before Brussels clears the final disbursement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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