EU to allocate about 3 bln euros more in military aid to Ukraine

The European Union plans to allocate about €3 billion in military support to Ukraine between October 12 and 18. Meanwhile, Brussels is preparing additional funding for drone and missile production, as well as new decisions regarding Ukraine's EU accession negotiations.

This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following a phone call on October 11.

Zelenskyy noted that von der Leyen confirmed plans to allocate about €3 billion in military aid in the coming days. The president also thanked for the previous tranche of €1.24 billion, which Ukraine has already received.

The European Commission transferred these funds on October 7 as part of the defense component of the Ukraine Support Loan credit program totaling €90 billion for 2026-2027. The funding is intended for the purchase of Ukrainian-made drones, interceptor drones, ammunition, and missiles.

For her part, von der Leyen confirmed that during this week the EU will provide additional funding for drones and missiles needed to strengthen Ukraine's defense and protect its airspace.

Another topic of discussion was further funding for Ukraine in 2027. According to the head of the European Commission, at this week's European Council meeting, EU leaders will discuss Kyiv's financial needs and opportunities to attract new international support.

Separately, the parties discussed Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Von der Leyen reported on preparations to open two more negotiation clusters. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine expects to open all remaining clusters by the end of 2026.

During the conversation, the Ukrainian president also informed the head of the European Commission about Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. According to him, shortly before the talks, a Russian drone attacked a power plant in Kyiv, causing power outages in many districts. Later, energy facilities in Kharkiv region came under attack.

These attacks occurred after US President Donald Trump's statement about an alleged energy truce between Ukraine and Russia.

Von der Leyen supported Zelenskyy's call for a ceasefire that would ensure the protection of Ukraine's and Russia's energy infrastructure, as well as global food supplies. She emphasized the need to further strengthen Ukrainian defense amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Following the talks, Zelenskyy and von der Leyen agreed to continue coordination between Ukrainian authorities and EU institutions regarding military assistance, funding, and further European integration.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission