EU providing Ukraine with more than $7 billion to defend against Russian missiles, drones

The European Union said Monday it was releasing about $7.1 billion in military aid for Ukraine, with the funds specifically targeted to boost Kyiv’s air defenses against Russian missile attacks.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, announced the aid package ahead of talks between Ukraine and allies over increasing military support.

“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved [$7.1 billion] for the air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radar that Ukraine urgently needs,” she said on X. “Europe stands with you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.”

Officials in Europe said the need to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses has become increasingly urgent, noting that Russia launched more than 370 offensive missiles in July alone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for additional air defense support. This month, he detailed a critical shortage of Western-supplied anti-ballistic equipment and interceptors.

“We need missiles for Patriots, and only our partners can provide them. We ain’t talking about gifts. Ukraine is ready to buy the weapons we need,” he said last week on X. “What matters is that decisions be made, first and foremost in the U.S. I am grateful to everyone who is helping Ukraine save lives.”

On Monday, European Council President Antonio Costa was in Kyiv to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the former Soviet Union. More than four years after its full-scale invasion, Mr. Costa said Russia had not achieved its objectives.

“We can see that the war is draining Russia’s resources. Our unprecedented sanctions are also having an impact,” he said. “We will intensify the pressure until Russia ends the killing and demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace.”

Mr. Costa said the European Union cannot be neutral when international law is being violated.

“We will continue to provide as much support as necessary for as long as necessary — during the war, in future peace negotiations and in reconstruction. Because our vision extends beyond the war,” he said.