The EU will allocate additional funds for Ukraine's purchase of drones and missiles
The European Union will allocate additional funds to Ukraine in mid-October for the purchase of drones and missiles. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen stated that this aid is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense and protecting its airspace.
EU allocates additional funds for procurement of drones and missiles for Ukraine
According to DW, von der Leyen spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 11 and announced additional funding on the social network X. She did not disclose the exact amount of funds or the sources from which they would be allocated.
The situation in Ukraine will be one of the main topics of the European Council meeting to be held this week. It is planned to discuss financial needs for the coming year and ways to attract new international assistance.
The head of the European Commission also stated that obstacles preventing the opening of two more thematic clusters in negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU will be eliminated.
Von der Leyen also expressed full support for Zelenskyy's call for a ceasefire. She emphasized that such an agreement could help protect global food supplies as well as the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia.
The head of the European Commission noted that the war has entered a more severe phase. She accused Russia of waging a prolonged war at the front while also striking civilians far behind the frontline.
Earlier, on October 2, the European Commission approved the allocation of the next tranche of 2.9 billion euros to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility mechanism. This is a decision related to a long-term financial assistance mechanism, separate from the newly announced funds for drones and missiles.
The Ukraine Facility is designed for 2024–2027 and provides for up to 50 billion euros in stable financial assistance to Ukraine during this period.
Payments under this mechanism are tied to Ukraine's implementation of its recovery and reform plan, as well as ensuring democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights. The funds are disbursed quarterly after verifying that the established conditions have been met.