EU gives green light to 3.2 billion euros for Ukraine's Patriots, new shield against Russian attacks

The European Union has given the green light for Ukraine to use 3.2 billion euros from its 90 billion euro loan to purchase equipment and interceptors for the US Patriot systems.

The decision comes at a critical moment, as Kiev faces a shortage of air defense missiles and intensifying Russian attacks, the Telegraph reports.

The political decision has been reached by member states, while technical procedures are expected to be completed by September 11, paving the way for the use of these funds for the purchase of American equipment.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement, stressing that the approved exemption enables Ukraine to purchase vital products for Patriot systems, despite the fact that the European fund generally aims to finance armaments produced in Europe or Ukraine.

According to von der Leyen, the next tranche of 3.2 billion euros will help Ukraine strengthen the defense of its airspace against Russian attacks. So far, according to the European Commission, Ukraine has already received billions of euros from this support scheme.

The EU's decision comes at a time when Russian ballistic missiles are among the biggest threats to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for more Patriot interceptors, arguing that existing systems do not have enough ammunition to withstand ongoing attacks.

Germany has also announced that it will urgently send Ukraine additional PAC-2 missiles from its reserves, while also expanding supplies of air-to-air missiles, drones, and long-range ammunition.

Meanwhile, the UK has pledged £100 million for a new air defence package for Ukraine, which includes Patriot missiles and will be delivered through a NATO-led mechanism.

Kiev is warning that the coming months could be particularly difficult, as Russia is expected to continue attacks on energy infrastructure and critical facilities.

Zelensky has stated that Ukraine needs hundreds of Patriot interceptors to protect cities, energy and vital infrastructure during the winter.

The problem is that producing these missiles takes time. Ukraine could secure contracts for hundreds of interceptors, but a large portion of them are not expected to arrive immediately. For this reason, Kiev is asking allies to use existing stocks and supply the missiles now.

The European decision comes after another wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.

Zelensky has stressed that Ukrainian defense achieves high results against cruise missiles and drones, but ballistic missiles remain particularly difficult to intercept.

This makes the Patriot system one of the most important components of Ukraine's air defense.

For Kiev, European support is not just a financial package. It could determine how capable Ukraine will be of defending its cities and infrastructure during the coming winter.

With 3.2 billion euros earmarked for Patriot equipment, as well as new contributions from Britain and Germany, Western allies are trying to build a stronger air shield for Ukraine just ahead of what is expected to be a decisive period in the war.

The GeoPost