“Together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, I welcome the agreement by Member States on the derogation for Ukraine to purchase crucial products for Patriot air defence systems,” the statement said.
The funds are provided under the Ukraine Support Loan, a €90 billion loan program for 2026–2027.
According to von der Leyen, the next tranche of €3.2 billion should enable Ukraine to better protect its airspace from Russian attacks. The funds will add to the €8.4 billion already allocated under the program.
“We will continue to work hand in hand to support Ukraine and to strengthen Europe’s defence posture,” the European Commission president concluded.
Ukraine’s reaction
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that the European Commission had approved Ukraine’s request to purchase missiles for Patriot systems under the Ukraine Support Loan.
“This is a critically important decision for preparing Ukraine’s air defenses for the fall and winter period. Patriot missiles are essential for protecting people and critical infrastructure from Russian missile terror, including ballistic missiles,” the ministry emphasized.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara thanked the European Union for its support and the swift review of Ukraine’s request.
“We are working to ensure that our partners’ support is turned into concrete capabilities to protect Ukraine as quickly as possible,” the Ministry of Defense said.
Earlier, France said that strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of winter remains one of the key priorities.
Paris, together with Italy, is preparing to transfer a SAMP/T system and Aster missiles to Ukraine, while several countries are considering possible options for supplying additional Patriot systems.