Ukraine can use EU loan for Patriot missiles

The European Union said on September 8 that it had agreed to let Ukraine use part of a 90-billion-euro ($105 billion) loan to buy US-made Patriot air defence missile systems.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen welcomed what she called an agreement by member states on a derogation allowing Ukraine to buy "crucial products for Patriot air defence systems". She said it would let Kyiv use the next 3.2 billion euro instalment of the loan "to better protect its skies from Russia's indiscriminate attacks".

Under the loan's conditions, Ukraine is meant to spend the money mainly on weapons built in Europe. Ukraine has said the Patriot system is the most effective way to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.

The decision comes as Ukraine's European backers seek to fill gaps in Kyiv's air defences. Kyiv has run short of critical interceptors, and the capital's mayor said the latest overnight barrage on Kyiv killed three people.

Defence ministers from countries supporting Ukraine were due to hold talks later on September 8 on strengthening Ukraine's air defences. Britain also announced £100 million ($135 million) for Ukraine's air defence capabilities this winter, including Patriot missiles.