EU releases new $7.1 billion aid boost for Ukraine

The European Union said Monday that it had released another 6.1 billion euros ($7.1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine to boost its air defences against Russian missile attacks.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the move ahead of talks on Monday between Ukraine and its allies on stepping up military support.

"On Ukraine's Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved EUR6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs," von der Leyen said on X.

"With 376 missile strikes recorded in July alone, reinforcing Ukraine's defences has become increasingly urgent," the EU commission said in a separate statement.

The finance is part of a 90 billion-euro loan, including 60 billion euros in military aid, that the EU has said will go to Ukraine. Some 16 billion euros has already been allocated and 8.5 billion euros sent to Kyiv.

Ukraine is desperate to secure more missile interceptors, particularly Patriot air defence systems, to fight off Russian attacks on its cities.