EU disburses €3.3 billion to Ukraine for drones and missiles

The European Union disbursed €3.3 billion to Ukraine on September 18 for the procurement of missiles and drones, part of a larger loan aimed at bolstering the country's air defenses against escalating Russian attacks. The payment, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is the fourth disbursement under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan agreed in December 2025. The funds arrive as Ukraine faces a significant financing shortfall. Ukrainian officials estimate a funding gap of €23.4 to €27 billion for 2026, raising questions about how the country will cover its remaining needs. The €90 billion loan was designed as a "Plan B" after EU leaders failed to reach consensus on selling frozen Russian assets, and it was intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financing for 2026-2027, with the remainder expected from G7 partners, the IMF, and bilateral support. During a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen emphasized that "more is coming" and noted the EU has mobilized nearly €15 billion for Ukraine in 2026.