On the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, the European Commission approved new defense procurements for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion . These funds are earmarked for air and missile defense systems, missiles, munitions, and radars , confirming Europe's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense and resilience in the face of Russia's continued aggression. The EU executive announced this in a statement.

The financing, part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (UASL), comes at a time when Russia is intensifying its ballistic missile and drone attacks . With 376 missile attacks recorded in July alone, strengthening Ukraine's defenses has become increasingly urgent.

Today's approval adds to the €16 billion in procurement plans already approved, of which €8.35 billion have been disbursed, ensuring that Ukraine receives essential supplies on time and in the scale needed. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with a total support of €220.2 billion , including €3.8 billion from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.

European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in the Ukrainian capital today: "I have just arrived in Kyiv on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day. I am proud to be here on such a significant day, underlining the EU's unconditional support. Ukraine is a free and courageous nation. Its struggle is also our struggle ."

A summit of the "Willing" is scheduled in Kiev today to discuss the peace plan developed with the US and the EU.

Last night, in yet another attack on Ozon, the Russian e-commerce company targeted by Ukraine, two children were killed and seven others were injured in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. A private childcare center was hit by debris from downed Ukrainian drones.

(Unioneonline)