Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Klimenkov and MoD team discussed potential uses for the interest accumulated from frozen russian assets with the EU delegation headed by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

“Ukraine thanks the EU for the decision to allocate interest accrued from frozen russian assets to Ukraine's defence needs. These funds are set to be a powerful tool in strengthening the country's defence capabilities in a full-scale war. The Ministry of Defence intends to use these funds to acquire essential resources and protective equipment to enhance national security,” stated Dmytro Klimenkov during the meeting.

In the summer of 2024, the EU adopted a decision to send Ukraine the first tranche of € 1.5 billion. Ukraine plans to use some of these funds to purchase ammunition and air defence equipment. This will significantly strengthen the firepower of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and substantially improve their ability to protect Ukrainian airspace from enemy attacks. There are also negotiations on the possibility of allocating a portion of the funds for purchasing weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers.

“Our efforts with international partners are focused on obtaining in 2025 the next tranche of interest accrued from frozen russian assets. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has already developed the necessary procedures to allocate these funds for purchasing weapons. Our key priorities have not shifted: the supply of ammunition, air defence equipment, and drones. Out of this interest, Ukraine is looking to increase the portion allocated for purchasing weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers,” added Glib Kanevskyi, Director of the Defence Ministry's Procurement Policy Department.

This financial aid from the EU marks another important step in the international community's joint efforts to counter russian aggression. It will enable Ukraine not only to strengthen its defence positions but also to support the Ukrainian defence industry.