Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevgeniy Khmara asked the EU to finance drone interceptors and transfer loan funds

At a meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevgeniy Khmara addressed the association with a request to finance jet drone interceptors, RBC-Ukraine reports.

In addition, the head of the Ukrainian defense department called on Kyiv’s allies to allocate some of the missiles for the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) from their own reserves in exchange for those that Ukraine should receive later under contracts. The publication quotes him as saying: “Separately, the minister noted the need for air-to-air missiles, MANPADS and ammunition for the F-16.”

In addition, Khmara asked the EU to transfer funds from the loan from 2027 to 2026 and to use the remainder of the SAFE program for purchases for Ukraine. Shortly before this, Bloomberg, citing the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of the Republic Taras Vysotsky, reported that the European Commission rejected Kyiv’s request to allocate 220 million euros to support the agricultural sector.

According to the publication, Ukraine turned to the European Union for additional targeted assistance to agricultural producers - in addition to the financial support already provided. The funds were planned to be used to support farmers and ensure their liquidity.