Ukraine receives additional €1.24B from EU for priority defense needs under support loan

“Russia continues its deliberate strategy of terror, seeking to make everyday life unbearable for Ukrainians. Today’s disbursement will help strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry and its ability to defend itself,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said the European funds would be used for “priority defense needs.”

He also noted that, including the latest tranche, Ukraine has received nearly 13 billion euros in defense financing under the Ukraine Support Loan program.

The EU loan provides for an indicative allocation of funds in 2026-2027, with 60 billion euros earmarked for defense and 30 billion euros for budget support. In 2026 alone, 28.3 billion euros is expected to be disbursed to support Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity, the European Commission said.

The commission stressed that supporting Ukraine’s defense remains one of the EU’s key priorities.

On Oct. 1, Suspilne, citing its sources, reported that Kyiv and Brussels had secured funding for Ukraine’s budget and defense needs through the end of 2026 and agreed on steps to ensure the funds are provided on time.

In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467, establishing the Ukraine Support Loan mechanism. The regulation provides for up to 90 billion euros in assistance to Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary areas: assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and support for the continued functioning of the state, including the provision of essential public services and measures to bolster economic resilience.