Von der Leyen: EU received new multibillion-euro defense funding request from Ukraine

The European Union has received a new request from Kyiv for several billion euros to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, including the purchase of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint press statement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, according to Report's European bureau.

"I can confirm that we have received a new payment request worth several billion euros and would cover Ukraine's air defenses, including the PAC-3 air defense system," von der Leyen said.

She said EU member states are considering Kyiv's request and that discussions are moving "in the right direction."

Von der Leyen stressed that the request concerns additional funding beyond the €90 billion loan already provided to Ukraine.

At the same time, the EU and Ukraine are working on the Fraya project to develop a European missile defense system, she added.

The €90 billion loan is already being used. Since June, the EU has allocated €8.5 billion from the loan to purchase drones and missiles for Ukraine. The funds will also be used to purchase fighter jets from Europe's defense industry.

Von der Leyen also called for an acceleration of Europe's defense buildup and the creation of a more integrated threat-warning system. She said the EU had proposed an €800 billion defense investment plan, including €150 billion under the SAFE instrument.

"We are entering a new era of European security," von der Leyen said, adding that European defense investments should strengthen NATO and promote the development of the EU's defense industry.