The EU has made the first disbursement to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan
The European Commission has disbursed €3.9 billion to Ukraine as part of the first defence tranche of a large-scale €90 billion EU loan. These funds are to be used to purchase drones for the Ukrainian army, which is one of the key areas for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities in 2026.
In total, the first tranche, earmarked specifically for the purchase of drones, is expected to amount to around €6 billion. The remainder of the sum, according to preliminary information, is due to be paid out in the coming days. The European Union explains that the funding is being disbursed in instalments for a reason: before each payment, the European Commission checks the contracts for the supply of drones. This mechanism is intended to ensure that the funds are used specifically for the agreed defence procurements, and not for other purposes.
For Ukraine, this decision has significant practical implications. Drones have become one of the key tools of modern warfare: they are used for reconnaissance, fire support, striking targets, defending positions and reducing risks to troops on the front line. This is precisely why investment in drones is seen as one of the most effective ways to rapidly strengthen the Ukrainian army.
According to UA Service HUB, the total EU loan of €90 billion provides for two major areas of support for Ukraine in 2026–2027. Of this amount, €30 billion is to be allocated to budgetary support, and a further €60 billion to defence needs. In 2026, Ukraine is set to receive €28.3 billion from the defence package to support and develop its defence industrial capacity.
Future payments are not intended to be directed solely towards drones. It is expected that the funds will also be used to procure ammunition, missiles, air defence systems and other weaponry necessary for the country’s defence. This approach demonstrates the EU’s long-term support for Ukraine and its commitment to strengthening not only the army’s current capabilities but also the Ukrainian defence industry in the long term.
