The release came on Ukraine’s Independence Day. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “As Russia steps up its attacks, we are expanding our support so that Ukraine can protect its population and defend its airspace.” The tranche is part of a support loan of up to €90 billion, of which €60 billion is earmarked for military aid. Procurement plans worth around €16 billion had already been approved, of which about €8.5 billion had been disbursed.
The European Commission pointed to the increasing Russian attacks: in July alone, 376 Russian missile attacks had been registered so far. The new funds are to go, among other things, into air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar equipment.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military reports successes against Russian targets. In an attack overnight, a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and two ships in the Black Sea were hit, according to the commander of the Ukrainian drone forces, Robert Browdi. The ships were a tanker and a bulk carrier.
Source: www.dw.com
