The European Union (EU) said it approved $7.1 billion in military aid for Ukraine to boost its air defense against Russian missiles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move on Monday, as Kyiv holds talks with its allies about military support.
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support,” she said on X, adding that the funds would pay for “air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars that Ukraine urgently needs.”
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support.
Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs.
Europe stands with you today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.
З Днем… pic.twitter.com/QCg62KaXqW
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 24, 2026
Ukraine has been in dire need of more missile interceptors, particularly those used by Patriot air defense systems. Last month, Ukraine faced 376 missile strikes, according to the European Commission. The new funding is part of a $105 billion loan, including $70 billion in military aid, that the EU has said will go to Ukraine.
The EU funding comes as Ukraine’s allies have organized a meeting jointly chaired by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv to discuss air defense supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is joined in person by European Council President António Costa, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Luxembourgish Prime Minister Luc Frieden, while other European backers and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska are joining virtually.
The latest funding underscores the increasing priority European governments are placing on strengthening Ukraine’s air and missile defenses as Russia maintains pressure through sustained long-range strikes. The package could help ease shortages of interceptors and other critical equipment, but its battlefield impact will depend on how quickly funding translates into delivered systems and ammunition.
