Ukraine Can Use European Assistance to Buy US Missiles, European Commission President Says

Brussels, September 8, 2026 : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will allow Ukraine to use new financial assistance to purchase US Patriot air defense missiles.

EU Agrees to Exemption for US Weapons Purchase

In a joint statement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, von der Leyen said EU member states had agreed to a derogation allowing European aid to be spent on the purchase of US-made weapons, even as she stressed that the assistance generally prioritizes purchases from European companies.

EUR 3.2 Billion Tranche to Bolster Air Defense

She said Ukraine would receive an additional EUR 3.2 billion (approximately USD 3.7 billion) as part of the funding package, enabling it to better protect its airspace from Russian attacks. The technical process to finalize the disbursement is expected to be completed by September 11.

NATO Backs Initiative on US Weapons Financing

NATO, meanwhile, is supporting an initiative allowing European members of the Alliance and Canada to help finance Ukraine's purchases of US-made weapons.

Funding Drawn from EU's EUR 90 Billion Support Loan

The new funding will be provided through the EU's existing EUR 90 billion (approximately USD 105 billion) support loan for Ukraine, which is set to be disbursed through the end of 2027.

Source: QNA