European Union approves further €6.1 billion aid for Ukraine’s defence

Brussels: The ​European Commission ​on Monday approved a ​further €6.1 billion ($7.12 billion) in financial aid for Ukraine to ‌procure ⁠new ⁠defence systems, such as ​air defence, missiles, ammunition and radars.

The ​EU said this latest aid package came ​on top of €16 ⁠billion of ‌previously approved ​procurement ​plans, of which €8.35 ⁠billion had already been disbursed.

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“As ​Russia intensifies its attacks, ​we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its ‌skies. Europe stands with Ukraine and we ​will ​deliver ⁠what it needs, when it needs it,” said European Commission ​President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement.