Ukraine says a €3.3 billion tranche provided by the European Union under the Ukraine Support Loan will be used to fund purchases of drones and air defence systems, following talks between Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.
The funding was discussed during a phone call between Khmara and Kubilius focused on speeding up support for what the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence described as critical requirements of the Defence Forces.
Khmara thanked the European Union for the latest €3.3 billion tranche and said the money would be used to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian airspace through procurement of drones and air defence systems.
He said: “Speed is critical here. The faster decisions are taken and the funds come through, the faster the equipment we need reaches the battlefield and strengthens the capabilities of our troops.”
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said Khmara also commended the European Union for the way it handles Ukrainian requests and provides funding intended to strengthen defence capabilities.
The discussion also covered the remaining shortfall in Ukraine’s defence budget for 2026 and funding requirements for 2027, with both issues raised separately during the call. The ministry said the latest EU funding would therefore support immediate purchases of drones and air defence systems while talks continue over wider defence financing requirements for the current and next financial year.
