Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of €6 billion in advance to Ukraine for the development of the production of drones
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the allocation of an advance loan of 6 billion euros, financed by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, for the development of the production of drones in Ukraine. She announced this during the annual State of the European Union speech at the European Parliament.
Von der Leyen emphasized that drones are of key importance in the war, because they account for more than two-thirds of the destroyed Russian equipment:
“This is not only a tactical advantage on the battlefield, but also a testament to the power of human creativity in open societies”.
At the same time, according to her, Russia is actively increasing its capabilities, using Iranian drones of the “Shaheed” and relying on the advantages of mass industrial production.
“Ingenuity has opened defense opportunities for Ukraine, but the industrial power of Russia can limit these opportunities”, – emphasized the President of the European Commission.
She added that the European Union is capable of using its own industrial power to support Ukraine in a war using drones:
“We can help Ukraine transform its innovative potential into a combat advantage and promote joint industrialization. Therefore, I announce the allocation of €6 billion in advance from the ERA loan and the creation of the Drone Alliance with Ukraine.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine has significant innovation potential, but needs scaling, which Europe can provide, in order to maintain Ukraine’s advantage and at the same time strengthen the EU’s position. In addition, she emphasized the need to urgently develop a new mechanism for financing military aid to Ukraine at the expense of frozen Russian assets.
