The European Commission has disbursed €1.24 billion to Ukraine for drones, drone interceptors, drone ammunition and missiles manufactured by Ukrainian entities. It is the fifth defence payment under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan.
The loan was established in February 2026 under Regulation (EU) 2026/467, with an indicative split of €60 billion for defence and €30 billion for budget support across 2026 and 2027. Brussels has planned €28.3 billion of defence-industrial disbursements for 2026 and said €15.4 billion in further defence support and €12.7 billion in budget support remain available this year, alongside €4.4 billion under the Ukraine Facility.
The payment follows the Commission’s €3.3 billion disbursement on September 18, described at the time as the fourth under the loan’s defence window. The cadence puts Brussels roughly on pace for its 2026 defence-industrial target, with the funds aimed at reconstructing and modernising Ukraine’s defence technological and industrial base and gradually integrating it into the European defence base.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia persists in a deliberate strategy of terror and that the disbursement strengthens Ukraine’s defence industry and its ability to defend people and infrastructure. Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said the payment underscores unwavering EU support and will help Ukraine protect its skies and citizens. Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said every euro becomes drones, interceptors and missiles, defending Ukraine while building its defence industry.
Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided €228.7 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.