According to the website of the European Commission, the Commission approved on August 24 a defense aid worth 6.1 billion euros for Ukraine. This aid is intended for the procurement of missile defense systems, ammunition, and radar equipment that Ukraine urgently needs.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Delors said: "On this day of Ukraine's independence, Europe shows with concrete actions that our support is unwavering."
"As Russia continuously escalates its attacks, the EU is increasing aid to Ukraine, helping to protect its people and defend its airspace," said Feng Delin. "Europe is with Ukraine, and we will provide what it needs when needed in Ukraine."
According to reports, this funding comes from a Ukrainian aid loan program with a total amount of 90 billion euros. The newly approved 6.1 billion euros are additional to the previously approved 16 billion euro procurement plan, and 8.35 billion euros have already been allocated.
The European Commission stated that most of the purchases will come from defense companies in EU member states. Ukraine can apply for payments by submitting procurement contracts with defense companies. The European Commission will review these contracts before allocating funds, to ensure that the money is used for procurement projects agreed upon between the member states and the European Commission.
According to RT on the 24th, Russia believes that providing weapons to Ukraine will hinder the resolution of the conflict and expose NATO countries to direct involvement in the conflict. This is 'playing with fire'. The Kremlin stated that Western efforts to supply Ukraine with weapons are not helpful for negotiations and will have negative consequences.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives on the 23rd that in order to obtain true security, Ukraine will not seek alternative options other than joining NATO.
Zelenskyy said that if Ukraine joins NATO, it will receive a series of opportunities in terms of funding and military cooperation. He indicated that this year, Ukraine still needs the EU to provide loans worth 30 billion euros to cover its fiscal deficit. In addition, Ukraine is facing a defense budget deficit of 27 billion US dollars. “If we are included in NATO’s budget framework, we will be stronger.”
