European Commission President von der Leyen announced that Ukraine would receive a further payment of 3.2 billion euros to strengthen its air defense.
Von der Leyen said the payment would be provided in addition to the 8.4 billion euros previously allocated under the Ukraine Support Loan, including for air defense.
Exemption for Patriot systems
EU member states agreed on an exemption allowing Ukraine to purchase critical products for its Patriot air defense systems.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he welcomed the agreement. Rutte said NATO allies had allocated more than 10 billion dollars over the past year to Ukraine through the PURL (Priority Ukraine Requirements List) and U.S. Foreign Military Sales programs.
NATO and the EU will continue working hand in hand to support Ukraine. This once again demonstrates that Europe is taking responsibility.