The European Commission reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence on August 24.
In a statement, the Commission said the anniversary reflects the courage, resistance and resilience of Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s continuing war of aggression, as well as their aspiration for Ukraine to be a democratic and European country.
It added that the EU continues to support efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, as well as Ukraine’s European path.
The EU has secured the first disbursements under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan to sustain the country’s defence capabilities and reconstruction. It has also adopted a 21st package of sanctions aimed at further restricting Russia’s ability to finance the war and attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
During a visit to Kyiv in July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched an EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership and an EU-Ukraine Drone Deal, including an additional pound 1 billion to support drone production.
The Commission said the EU was also leading efforts to support Ukraine’s recovery and long-term economic investment. It highlighted its role in seeking the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported by Russia and in holding Moscow accountable for its crimes, including through the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU and its member states have mobilised pound 220.2 billion in humanitarian, financial and military assistance for Ukraine and its people.
Since 2024, the EU has also made available pound 8 billion in proceeds generated by immobilised Russian Central Bank assets. Of this amount, pound 3.8 billion has been channelled through the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility, while the remainder supports the repayment of G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism.