Von der Leyen Hails Ukraine’s Turnaround in Kyiv as €90 Billion EU Loan Fuels Drone Deal
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jul 15
Von der Leyen Hails Ukraine’s Turnaround in Kyiv as €90 Billion EU Loan Fuels Drone Deal
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jul 15
Summary
Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv saying “the tide is turning” for Ukraine, citing stronger military momentum and progress in EU accession talks.
A drone deal expected Wednesday would let drones be built and stored inside EU territory before transfer to Ukraine, pairing Europe’s industrial capacity with Ukrainian battlefield know-how.
The visit comes as the EU’s €90 billion support loan is now running after earlier blockage, and Kyiv opened another cluster of accession negotiations just a day earlier.
Ukraine’s wartime backdrop remains politically fraught: a government reshuffle has removed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after one year, while possible changes at the defence ministry are drawing criticism.
In parallel, EU ambassadors in Brussels are still trying to seal a 21st sanctions package against Russia as Zelenskyy warns delays give Moscow more time to prepare airstrikes.
As Ukraine reshuffles its government mid-offensive, can its praised war-time ministers survive the political 'information attacks' now targeting them?
Hungary's new government promised an EU reset, so why are its students now locked out of Europe's Erasmus+ program for another year?
With Gibraltar's 118-year-old border fence gone, is this the end of Brexit's last wound or the start of a new sovereignty crisis?
The €90 Billion EU-UK Ukraine Support Loan: Strategic Impact, Political Breakthroughs, and the Future of European Defense
Overview
The European Union approved a €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan in April 2026 to provide steady financial and defense support for Ukraine during ongoing conflict. The first €3.2 billion installment was delivered in June, giving Ukraine immediate budget relief and helping maintain resilience. A significant part of the loan is dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s defense, with €6 billion set aside for domestically produced drones, boosting local production and operational capacity. This strategic investment not only supports Ukraine’s immediate needs but also aims to enhance its long-term defense capabilities and stability.