The European Commission has transferred €2.86 billion to Ukraine under the defence component of the expanded Ukraine Support Loan programme.
The funds will be used to purchase air defence systems, drones, missiles, radar systems, electronic warfare equipment and ammunition, according to the European Commission.
"As Russia struggles on the front line, it continues to escalate its aerial attacks, brutally targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Europe's unwavering support is more important than ever to help Ukraine defend its skies and save lives. Today's €2.86 billion tranche will address Ukraine's most urgent operational needs, including drones and missiles that are vital to its defence," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The Ukraine Support Loan programme totals €90 billion for 2026–2027. Of this amount, €60 billion is allocated to defence needs and the development of Ukraine's defence industry, while another €30 billion is intended for budgetary support.
In 2026, the EU plans to allocate €28.3 billion to support Ukraine's defence-industrial sector. The European Commission confirmed that further disbursements under the defence component of the programme are expected in the coming weeks.
An additional €29.64 billion in EU financial assistance remains available to Ukraine until the end of 2026. This includes €25.24 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan — €12.54 billion for the defence industry and €12.7 billion for budgetary support — as well as €4.4 billion in remaining budgetary assistance under the original Ukraine Facility programme.
As a result, more than €17 billion has been earmarked to support the stability of Ukraine's budget for the remainder of the year. Disbursement of these funds depends on meeting the conditions set out in the Ukraine Plan and the Memorandum of Understanding.
"With Russian attacks on our cities and critical infrastructure intensifying, this support is vital. More drones, air defence systems, missiles and ammunition mean better protection for our people and stronger capabilities for our defenders on the front line," Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi wrote on Telegram in response to the announcement.
He stressed that Ukraine continues working with its European partners to ensure that the remaining defence funding is provided without delays.
