The EU has allocated 3.9 billion euros for drones as part of the 90 billion euro Ukraine Support Loan for Ukraine, the European Commission reported on Tuesday, June 30, UNN reports.
Ukraine's ingenuity is at the core of its success in resisting Russia's full-scale invasion. It is this ingenuity that we want to support. Today we are providing the first 3.9 billion euros for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine's defense. More will follow- said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X.
The European Commission stated that "today they begin the disbursement of 3.9 billion euros as the first payment under the first tranche of approximately 6 billion euros, intended for the purchase of drones, key capabilities that allow Ukraine to resist Russia's aggressive war."
This tranche is being allocated after the first EU tranche of 3.2 billion euros to Ukraine under the targeted macro-financial assistance program on June 25.
"Further payments will be made in the coming days until the first tranche for drones is fully covered in accordance with Ukraine's payment requests," the statement reads.
As stated, "in accordance with the Ukraine Support Loan Regulation, the European Commission verifies the contracts provided to support this request. These checks ensure that the financial assistance is used for purchases agreed with the European Commission and member states."
"Subsequent disbursements will continue to cover the purchase of drones and will also extend to ammunition, missiles, and air defense systems, reflecting the Union's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's resilience in the face of ongoing Russian aggression."
All expenditures, it is noted, "are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring."
Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine and Ukrainians with total support amounting to 211.3 billion euros, including 3.8 billion euros from proceeds of immobilized Russian assets.