Kyiv wants to draw several billion euros from the European Union’s €90 billion loan to strengthen its air defences amid escalating Russian attacks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the request includes US-made PAC-3 Patriot systems.
Kyiv’s air defence request
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, von der Leyen said EU member states were examining Ukraine’s request.
“The member states are currently considering Ukraine’s request, but I can say that it is moving in the right direction,” she said.
The Commission has received a new payment request worth several billion euros. The funding would cover air defence capabilities, including advanced active air defence systems, as well as European-made fighter aircraft.
Von der Leyen also referred to a joint European anti-ballistic missile defence programme being developed with Kyiv and the EU’s €800 billion defence investment plan, which includes the €150 billion SAFE programme.
Leipzig attack strengthens EU resolve
During the same press conference, von der Leyen strongly criticised Russia over the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport, describing it as a “military-style attack carried out by Russian operatives on European soil”.
“We will not tolerate it,” she said, adding that a successful attack could have caused extensive damage and potentially claimed lives.
Von der Leyen said the incident was intended to discourage Europe from supporting Ukraine but had produced the opposite result.
“If the intention was to make us hesitate over our support for Ukraine, I can tell you that it has only strengthened my resolve. Intimidation will not work,” she said.
The Commission president described the incident as part of a broader pattern of escalating Russian actions, including airspace violations, drones flying over airports and interference with critical infrastructure.
She said the EU would increase its preparedness and confirmed that a rapid-response mechanism was in place to assist member states targeted by Russia.
Von der Leyen also said existing sanctions had weakened Russia and that further measures could be prepared. EU foreign ministers were discussing new additions to sanctions lists on Wednesday.
NATO pledges continued support
Rutte expressed “full solidarity with Germany” and the European Union, saying Russia had become increasingly reckless as it continued its war against Ukraine.
“If Russia believes that threats will divide us or deter us from supporting Ukraine, it is mistaken. Our unity remains unwavering,” he said.
Rutte said NATO members had agreed to provide at least €70 billion in military support for Ukraine in 2026, with an equivalent level planned for 2027. He also thanked the European Commission for its role in the EU loan to Kyiv.
The NATO chief pointed to an increase of about $139 billion in nominal terms in defence spending by European Allies and Canada in 2025, as well as progress in industrial cooperation across the Alliance.
Von der Leyen and Rutte recalled their previous meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara and reiterated that the EU and NATO reinforce one another. The Commission president described the current period as a “new era of European security”.
Source: CNA
