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European Commission - Press release Commission disburses €3.9 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan Brussels, 30 June 2026 The European Commission begins disbursement today of €3.9 billion as the first payment under the first tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drone procurement, a key capability enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia's war of aggression. This disbursement follows the Comm...
European Commission - Press release Commission disburses €3.9 billion for drones under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan Brussels, 30 June 2026 The European Commission begins disbursement today of €3.9 billion as the first payment under the first tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drone procurement, a key capability enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia's war of aggression. This disbursement follows the Commission's first €3.2 billion instalment to Ukraine under the dedicated Macro-Financial Assistance programme made on 25 June. Further payments will be made in the coming days until the first tranche for drones is fully covered, in accordance with Ukraine's payment requests. Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, said: “Ukraine's ingenuity is at the heart of its success in resisting Russia's full-scale invasion. Ingenuity we want to support. Today, we are releasing a first tranche of €3.9 billion for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine's defence. And more will follow. These investments will help Ukraine protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty, and reinforce Europe's security. Europe stands firmly with Ukraine for as long it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.” As a country at war, Ukraine's military edge depends on the rapid availability of critical products in the required quantities and within very short timeframes. This is part of the larger €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan , which provides €30 billion for budgetary aid and €60 billion for defence support across 2026 and 2027. In 2026, €28.3 billion of the €60 billion defence package will be disbursed to support Ukraine's defence industrial capacity. In line with the Ukraine Support Loan Regulation , the Commission is checking the contracts provided in support of this request. These checks ensure that the financial assistance is used for procurement agreed with the Commission and Member States. Upcoming disbursements will continue to cover drone procurement while extending to ammunition, missiles and air defence systems, reflecting the Union's steadfast commitment to Ukraine's resilience in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression. Background In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467 establishing the Ukraine Support Loan (USL) . The Regulation provides for up to €90 billion in support to Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and defence industrial capacities, and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience. Following Ukraine's submission of its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, an Implementing Decision determining the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026 . The Decision provides for up to €45 billion in support for 2026, comprising €16.7 billion in budget support and €28.3 billion in support for Ukraine's defence industrial capacities. The budget support component is split equally between a top-up to the Ukraine Facility and a new Macro Financial Assistance operation, each amounting to up to €8.35 billion. The Commission disbursed the first €3.2 billion instalment to Ukraine under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan on 25 June. The defence component focuses on the reconstruction, recovery and modernisation of Ukraine's defence technological and industrial base. It aims to strengthen Ukraine's defence industrial readiness and support its gradual integration into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, through close cooperation between the Union and Ukraine. Funding decisions are based on Ukraine's evolving needs. All expenditure is subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have provided €211.3 billion in overall support to Ukraine and Ukrainians, including €3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets. For more information Macro-Financial Assistance Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine Ukraine Facility Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027 Ukraine Support Loan Regulation (EU) 2026/467 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027 Commission takes preparatory steps on financial support for Ukraine and boosting drone production Commission Implementing Decision validating the use of derogations for drones in Ukraine Factsheet - EU solidarity with Ukraine IP/26/1490 Quote(s): "Ukraine's ingenuity is at the heart of its success in resisting Russia's full-scale invasion. Ingenuity we want to support. Today, we are releasing a first tranche of €3.9 billion for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine's defence. And more will follow. These investments will help Ukraine protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty, and reinforce Europe's security. Europe stands firmly with Ukraine for as long it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace." Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission - 30/06/2026 "With today’s first disbursement, the EU is delivering on its steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. This initial instalment of €3.9 billion for drone procurement represents a critical element of our comprehensive €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. By strategically balancing essential budgetary assistance with robust, long-term defence support through 2026 and 2027, we are ensuring that our financial and security instruments provide both immediate stability and the necessary resources for Ukraine's future resilience. Our institutional resolve remains unwavering as we stand in unity with our partners." Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - 30/06/2026 "The dynamics of the war are shifting in Ukraine’s favour. Every day, Ukraine's drones are pushing the war back to Russia. As of today, we will start disbursing the second instalment under the €90 billion loan, worth €6 billion. This will support the procurement of Ukrainian-made drones. More will come in the coming months for ammunition, missiles and air defence systems. So long as Russia continues its illegal war, the European Union’s support will keep coming." Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission - 30/06/2026 "Today’s €3.9 billion disbursement under the Ukraine Support Loan is a clear demonstration of the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s defence, resilience and future. This support will help strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to protect its people, defend its sovereignty and resist Russia’s brutal and illegal aggression. Let there be no doubt: the European Union stands firmly with Ukraine, and we will continue to provide the resources Ukraine needs for as long as it takes." Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space - 30/06/2026 Press contacts: Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 29 91099) Marine STRAUSS (+32 2 29 89103) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
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