Brussels – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced an agreement with Ukraine to allocate €2 billion for drones, alongside a proposal for a reparations loan funded by frozen Russian sovereign assets., reports 24brussels.
During a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, von der Leyen emphasized that the funding aims to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and promote the development of advanced technologies. “A total of €2 billion will be spent on drones now,” she stated.
She further noted that this initiative not only supports Ukraine but also nurtures advanced technological growth favorable to the European Union. Von der Leyen underscored the strategic significance of defense aid in executing the “Eastern Flank” initiative, aimed at establishing a “drone station” to protect the EU’s external borders and enhance the Union’s overall defense posture.
The President remarked on Russia’s battlefield advancements over the past 1,000 days, acknowledging ongoing challenges in maintaining control over certain occupied territories. She highlighted upcoming defense initiatives through the SAFE instruments and a revised White Paper on Defense, with leaders set to review future plans at the informal EU summit in Copenhagen.
How will €2 billion in drones strengthen Ukraine’s defence?
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, the EU and its member states, collectively known as Team Europe, have mobilized approximately €150 billion in expedited financial, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. This comprehensive assistance includes macro-financial support, humanitarian aid, and military backing through various EU mechanisms, particularly the European Peace Facility.
In terms of military aid, the EU has provided over $65 billion, encompassing ammunition, air-defense systems, Leopard tanks, and fighter jets. Additionally, a Ukraine Assistance Fund, valued at $5.4 billion, was established in March 2024. The EU has also emerged as the primary provider of military training to Ukrainian forces, training nearly 80,000 personnel and committing $390 million to specific training missions.
