The EU to step up aid to Ukraine following Russia’s large-scale attack: what von der Leyen has promised
Ursula von der Leyen reported this on the social media platform X.
Von der Leyen was responding to Russia’s massive overnight attack, during which, she said, more than 400 drones and missiles were fired at the Ukrainian capital.
“Ukraine urgently needs more air defence capabilities. We will discuss this this week in Ankara at the NATO summit,” said the President of the European Commission.
She emphasised that the European Union would continue to support Ukraine financially and militarily, and would also step up sanctions pressure on Russia.
What assistance has the EU already provided?
Von der Leyen recalled that last week the EU provided Ukraine with the first tranche under the Ukraine Support Loan programme. This amounts to 3.9 billion euros, which is to be used to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, in particular for the purchase of drones.
The European Commission officially announced that this is the first disbursement under a wider €90 billion loan facility. According to Reuters, the funds are intended to help Ukraine develop its own capabilities in the field of unmanned technologies.
“There will be more to come soon,” von der Leyen said, commenting on further support for Ukraine.
What is known about the new sanctions package
The President of the European Commission also reported that the EU is working to finalise the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. She said that Brussels expects to reach an agreement in the coming days.
Von der Leyen emphasised that the European Union will continue to step up pressure on Moscow until Russia puts an end to the bloodshed.
Previously, the Ukrainian side had insisted that the new restrictions should increase pressure on the Russian energy sector. In particular, Vladislav Vlasyuk, the Ukrainian President’s representative on sanctions policy, stated that Ukraine is in favour of tougher energy sanctions and restrictions on the maritime export of Russian oil and petroleum products.
Why Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence
The issue of air defence has become critical following Russia’s latest attack. On the night of 5 July, Russia launched dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, with Kyiv as the main target.
According to Ukrainian authorities and international media, more than 10 people were killed and dozens injured as a result of the attack. Reuters reported significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasised that additional Patriot systems and their interceptor missiles are needed to defend against ballistic missiles. It is precisely the shortage of such air defence capabilities that remains one of the main problems during Russia’s combined strikes.
What will be discussed at the NATO summit
The NATO summit in Ankara is due to take place this week. According to Reuters, the allies are preparing to reaffirm their continued military support for Ukraine and to discuss long-term aid commitments.
Against this backdrop, von der Leyen’s statement effectively means that the issue of Ukraine’s air defence will be one of the key topics in discussions between the allies following the latest Russian attack.
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