The EU will allocate 9 billion euros for defense to Ukraine: what is known about the aid and the conditions for receiving it
9 April 2025 21:39
The European Union will increase its support for Ukraine by providing 9 billion euros by the end of 2025 under the Ukraine Facility mechanism. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the statement of the EU High Representative Kai Kallas, which she made at a briefing on April 9.
These funds will be part of a total financial assistance package of 50 billion euros for 4 years (2024-2027). The program is aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy, supporting sustainable reforms and strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of a full-scale war.
What is the Ukraine Facility?
The Ukraine Facility is a macro-financial assistance instrument that includes both grants and concessional loans. It provides not only financial support, but also Ukraine’s commitments to implement a set of reforms – economic, governance, anti-corruption and structural. In exchange for the funding, Kyiv has to implement 69 criteria agreed with the European Commission covering various sectors in a phased manner.
To date, Ukraine has already received €6 billion, of which €4.5 billion was the initial tranche to cover the budget deficit and priority needs in the social and humanitarian spheres.
When and how will Ukraine receive another 9 billion euros?
The European Commission has stated that new funds could be disbursed as early as 2025. However, the key condition is the fulfillment of “indicative stages” – the so-called milestones. These include reforms in public financial management, justice, anti-corruption and transparency of public spending.
“Each tranche will be accompanied by a technical assessment of progress,” Brussels emphasizes. This means that the money will not be disbursed automatically, but only upon demonstrable fulfillment of the conditions.
Additional funding from Russian assets
In addition to the Ukraine Facility mechanism, the European Union is also ready to provide 2.1 billion euros in proceeds from frozen Russian assets. It is expected that these funds will come to Ukraine in 2025. They will be used mainly to purchase weapons, strengthen air defense, rebuild infrastructure, and support the energy sector.
This step was made possible after lengthy legal consultations within the EU. The money received from the interest on the frozen assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation was recognized as acceptable for use in the interests of Ukraine.
Military assistance: goals and pace
In addition to direct financial support, the European Union remains one of the largest providers of military assistance. The goal is to provide Ukraine with 2 million artillery shells by the end of 2025. This decision was made against the backdrop of a critical shortage of ammunition in the Armed Forces.
“We cannot allow Russia to win the war by attrition. Europe must produce and supply more,” emphasized EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
Some EU states have already announced their readiness to increase production of shells, tanks and armored vehicles. In addition, measures are being discussed to intensify joint procurement and coordinate supplies.
The EU expects that funding through the Ukraine Facility will help Ukraine maintain macro-financial stability and continue reforms even in times of war. At the same time, strengthening control over spending and transparency are key requirements of European partners.
It is expected that Ukraine will receive another tranche of about 1.5 billion euros in the coming months. However, Brussels will closely monitor the fulfillment of the conditions to ensure that the funds are used effectively.
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