The European Commission has disbursed EUR 3.9 billion to Ukraine as part of the first tranche of the EU’s EUR 90 billion defense loan. The total amount of this tranche is around EUR 6 billion, and the funds will be used to purchase Ukrainian-made drones for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“The European Commission is today disbursing EUR 3.9 billion as the first payment of the first tranche of around EUR 6 billion intended for the purchase of drones – a key capability that allows Ukraine to counter Russia’s aggressive war,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The European Commission explained that further payments should be made in the coming days until the first tranche for drones is fully covered in accordance with Ukraine’s payment requests. The delay in payment is due to the verification of contracts for the supply of drones.
“These checks ensure that the financial assistance is used for purchases agreed with the Commission and the Member States,” the European Commission said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the funds should strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and Europe’s security.
“Today we are allocating the first tranche of €3.9 billion for advanced drone technologies to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. And there will be more,” von der Leyen said.
The €90 billion EU loan includes €30 billion in budget support and €60 billion in defense support over the period 2026-2027. In 2026, 28.3 billion euros from the defense package should be directed to supporting Ukraine’s defense-industrial potential, in particular, drones, ammunition, missiles, and air defense systems.
