NATO summit to focus on air defense aid for Ukraine, von der Leyen says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities will be a central focus of the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. The summit is scheduled for July 7-8.

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Last night, the Russian regime once again attacked Ukrainian civilians from the air, with more than 400 drones and missiles targeting the capital. Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defense. We will discuss this this week in Ankara at the NATO summit.

Von der Leyen emphasized the critical need for enhanced air defense following a recent large-scale Russian assault. "Last night, the Russian regime once again attacked Ukrainian civilians from the air, with more than 400 drones and missiles targeting the capital. Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defense," she stated on social media platform X.

She further indicated that the European Union is actively working on additional measures to support Ukraine. The EU recently disbursed the first tranche of a 90 billion euro loan, intended for advanced drone technology to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian attacks. "Ukraine will soon receive more money from the loan," von der Leyen added, signaling continued financial commitment.

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Ukraine will soon receive more money from the loan.

In parallel, the EU is pursuing further punitive actions against Russia. "We are working to reach an agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia in the coming days," the Commission President stated. "We will continue to increase pressure until Russia ends the bloodshed," she vowed, underscoring the EU's resolve to maintain economic pressure on Moscow.

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We are working to reach an agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia in the coming days. We will continue to increase pressure until Russia ends the bloodshed.