EU approves €6.1 billion additional aid package for Ukraine

BRUSSELS — The European Commission has approved an additional €6.1 billion in financial assistance for Ukraine, earmarked for the purchase of new defense systems, including air defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars. The European Union said €8.35 billion has already been spent from previously approved procurement plans totaling €16 billion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the funding is intended to support the protection of the Ukrainian people and the defense of its airspace, noting that Russia has intensified its attacks. The EU, in von der Leyen's words, will "stand by Ukraine" and continue to deliver needed support on time, the Commission said. The aid announcement came as European Council President António Costa and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv to take part in Ukraine's independence day events. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on X that Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Estonian President Alar Karis also arrived in Kyiv, sharing photos of the officials' arrival at the train station.