Amanze Chinonye
The European Commission on Monday approved a further €6.1 billion ($7.12 billion) in support for Ukraine to procure defence equipment, including air-defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radar systems, as the European Union reaffirmed its support for Kyiv.
The latest package brings the total value of approved defence procurement plans to €22.1 billion, the EU said. Of the €16 billion approved previously, €8.35 billion has already been disbursed.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands with Ukraine, and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.
READ ALSO :
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Fedorov Resigns Amid Government Shake-Up
The announcement came as the EU marked Ukraine’s Independence Day. The Commission said the bloc had provided €220.2 billion in humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine and its people since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The latest defence allocation is part of broader EU efforts to support Ukraine’s economy and military capabilities as the war continues. The bloc has also begun disbursing funds under a €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan aimed at meeting Kyiv’s financial needs and strengthening its defence capabilities.
The EU has sought to increase pressure on Russia through successive rounds of sanctions. In July, it adopted its 21st package of sanctions, further restricting Moscow’s ability to finance the war and conduct attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The bloc has also stepped up efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children whom it says were forcibly transferred or deported to Russia, while supporting mechanisms aimed at holding Moscow accountable for alleged crimes committed during the war.
READ MORE :
Botswana Stops Eight Citizens From Travelling to Russia for Military Recruitment
The EU said it was supporting accountability efforts through the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The bloc also reiterated its support for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. The Commission said Ukraine had opened two accession negotiation clusters during the summer, demonstrating its ability to continue implementing reforms despite the war.
The latest package underscores the EU’s continued role in supporting Ukraine’s defence as European governments seek to sustain assistance to Kyiv while backing efforts to secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
