EU sends Ukraine $4.36 billion aid as 2027 funding gap looms at $70 billion

The European Commission has paid Ukraine 4.36 billion euros under its macro-financial assistance loan programme. Of this sum, 3.7 billion euros covers the second tranche of macro-financial support agreed for 2026, and 658 million euros comes from the defence arm of the loan. The funds are intended to cover Ukraine's financial needs and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the state and essential public services.

The payment will also help meet Ukraine's urgent defence requirements by supplying critical military equipment. According to the Commission, the financing will support the delivery of drones, missiles, radars, electronic warfare systems and ammunition for Ukraine's air defence.

“War is an expensive thing.”

European officials estimate that Ukraine's funding needs for 2026 have been covered. However, a funding gap of 70 billion euros remains for 2027. An EU diplomat told Efsyn that war is an expensive thing.

The issue is expected to be raised informally at the next European Council meeting in Dublin, which is officially devoted to artificial intelligence. Diplomats say the EU's long-term budget and Ukraine will be the real battlegrounds.

The Commission is working on various options for the 2027 funding gap, and these options are expected to lean significantly towards granting another loan to Kyiv. Some capitals reportedly see this as an opportunity to pressure those opposing EU budget cuts.

Several countries that strongly defend EU spending on regional development and agriculture appear hesitant about further financial support for Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria have ruled out the possibility of contributing to further financial support for Ukraine, according to Efsyn.