The European Commission said on Wednesday it has disbursed 1.24 billion ($1.38 billion) to Ukraine under the defence component of the European Union’s 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan.
The funds will be used to procure drones, drone interceptors, drone ammunition and missiles manufactured by Ukrainian defence companies, the Commission said.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said, “Russia is continuing its deliberate strategy of terror – trying to make daily life unbearable for Ukrainians. Today’s disbursement will help strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry. And Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. To protect people and infrastructure.”
The Ukraine Support Loan, established for 2026-2027, envisages an indicative allocation of 60 billion for defence and 30 billion for budgetary assistance. The Commission said 28.3 billion was planned for defence-related disbursements in 2026.
Further disbursements under the 2026 defence component are expected in the coming weeks, the Commission said.
The latest payment brings total disbursements under the Ukraine Support Loan to 16.9 billion, according to EU figures. Of that amount, 12.9 billion has been allocated to defence procurement, 3.2 billion to macro-financial assistance and 800 million through the Ukraine Facility.The Commission said 32.5 billion remained available for Ukraine in financial support for the rest of 2026, including 15.4 billion for defence industrial capacity and 12.7 billion in budget support under the Ukraine Support Loan.
The EU Support Loan was established under Regulation (EU) 2026/467, adopted in February, and is backed by EU borrowing on capital markets. Its defence component is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and industrial base while supporting closer integration with Europe’s defence industry.
Supporting Ukraine’s defence remains a key priority for the EU. By providing access to drones, interceptors, ammunition, air defence and missiles, the EU is helping Ukraine meet urgent needs on the battlefield and strengthen its defence against Russia’s war of aggression.
All funding decisions respond to Ukraine’s evolving needs and are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided 228.7 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including 3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets, the Commission said.
In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467, establishing the Ukraine Support Loan. The Regulation provides for up to 90 billion in support to Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and defence industrial capacities, and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience.
