EU Pledges €6.1 Billion for Ukraine as Leaders Gather in Kyiv for Independence Day
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Aug 24
EU Pledges €6.1 Billion for Ukraine as Leaders Gather in Kyiv for Independence Day
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Aug 24
Summary
€6.1 billion in fresh EU military aid was announced in Kyiv as European leaders joined Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Ukraine’s 35th independence anniversary and fifth since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
The package comes as Kyiv presses allies for more air-defence support ahead of winter, with Zelenskyy saying Patriot interceptor deliveries have fallen even as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify.
At least 300 additional interceptors are being sought after Russian strikes pushed civilian casualties to their highest levels since the invasion’s opening months and exposed Ukraine’s shortage of advanced missiles.
Britain also signaled deeper backing: Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged help on air defences, while Defence Minister Luke Pollard said London would share technology for domestic production of long-range SCALP missiles.
No senior Trump administration delegates attended the ceremony, underscoring a contrast with Europe’s public show of support as Kyiv warns it will not be treated as a bargaining chip between capitals.