Brussels: The European Commission reaffirmed the EU's solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence on August 24.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commission stated that the anniversary reflects the courage, resistance, and resilience of Ukrainians in the face of Russia's ongoing war of aggression, as well as their aspiration for Ukraine to be a democratic and European country. The EU continues to support efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, as well as Ukraine's European path.
The EU has secured the first disbursements under the £90 billion Ukraine Support Loan to sustain the country's defense capabilities and reconstruction. It has also adopted a 21st package of sanctions aimed at further restricting Russia's ability to finance the war and attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
During a visit to Kyiv in July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched an EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership and an EU-Ukraine Drone Deal, including an additional £1 billion to support drone production. The Commission stated that the EU was also leading efforts to support Ukraine's recovery and long-term economic investment. It highlighted its role in seeking the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported by Russia and in holding Moscow accountable for its crimes, including through the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU and its member states have mobilized £220.2 billion in humanitarian, financial, and military assistance for Ukraine and its people. Since 2024, the EU has also made available £8 billion in proceeds generated by immobilized Russian Central Bank assets. Of this amount, £3.8 billion has been channeled through the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility, while the remainder supports the repayment of G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism.