Ukraine received another 6.1 billion euros ($7.1 billion) in military aid from the European Union on Monday as the country celebrated its Independence Day.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move ahead of talks Monday between Ukraine and its allies on stepping up military support to help Kyiv fight the Russian invasion.
"On Ukraine's Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved EUR6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs," von der Leyen said on X.
The announcement comes as European leaders arrived in Kyiv for official celebrations marking Ukraine's Independence Day, which commemorates the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, adopted on Aug. 24, 1991.
"With 376 missile strikes recorded in July alone, reinforcing Ukraine's defences has become increasingly urgent," the EU commission said in a separate statement.
The finance is part of a 90 billion-euro loan, including 60 billion euros in military aid, that the EU has said will go to Ukraine. Some 16 billion euros has already been allocated and 8.5 billion euros sent to Kyiv.
The money will be disbursed after Kiev submits contracts signed with defense companies.
Ukraine is desperate to secure more missile interceptors, particularly Patriot air defense systems, to fight off Russian attacks on its cities.
