'We are stepping up': EU approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine’s defences

Key Points:

• The European Union has approved a €6.1 billion defence spending envelope for Ukraine as part of its €90 billion loan programme, focusing on air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars to help Kyiv counter Russian attacks.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine's defence needs amid intensified Russian aggression, with most procurement sourced from European defence companies.
• Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi welcomed the funding announcement, which comes amid a surge of missile strikes on Ukraine, with 376 strikes recorded in June alone.
• A "Coalition of the Willing" meeting is underway in Kyiv, gathering European leaders to discuss additional air support and energy supplies for Ukraine as winter approaches, highlighting ongoing European solidarity.
• British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is visiting Ukraine to deliver blueprints for long-range missile production, marking increased military cooperation within the coalition framework.