European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed an agreement among EU member states to grant Ukraine a special regulatory exemption that will allow it to purchase missiles for Patriot air defence systems using funds from the €90 billion European loan.
This was stated in a statement published on the European Commission’s website.
“Together with NATO Secretary General Rutte, I welcome the agreement by Member States on the derogation for Ukraine to purchase crucial products for Patriot air defence systems,” von der Leyen said.
According to her, the next €3.2 billion tranche will enable Ukraine to defend its airspace more effectively against Russia’s indiscriminate attacks.
The European Commission president recalled that these funds come in addition to the €8.4 billion already disbursed under the Ukraine Support Loan, including for air defence needs.
“We will continue to work hand in hand to support Ukraine and to strengthen Europe's defence posture,” von der Leyen concluded.
