Ukraine's new defence minister seeks early EU loan by outlining detailed war strategy
New defence minister Yevhenii Khmara said Kyiv will present a detailed plan to allies to accelerate part of an EU loan intended to cover its $27 billion defence budget gap.
In Kyiv, newly appointed defence minister Yevhenii Khmara pledged to give Ukraine’s partners a “clear vision” of how the country will fight Russia, hoping to secure an early release of part of the European Union’s financing package. He said the government will seek to advance a share of the €45 billion loan slated for next year and will lobby for larger contributions from existing allies and new donors. Khmara explained that the plan will detail the Defence Forces’ tasks, required projects, desired outcomes and the timeframes for achieving them.
The EU has already allocated €45 billion for both 2026 and 2027, providing record-level funds for Ukraine’s defence budget, which faces a $27 billion shortfall. The minister, a former special-forces commander, stressed a shared vision with top general Mykhailo Drapatyi, emphasizing intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian infrastructure and the need to address critical shortages in manpower and air-defence systems. He also noted that Ukraine has tested four interceptor concepts to counter the jet-powered drones that have been striking Kyiv in recent days.
Why it matters
Securing early EU funds could sustain Ukraine's defence operations amid a massive budget gap.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Aug 25 CIA chief John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow for an unannounced meeting, a rare high-level contact between the United States and Russia.
- Aug 25 Washington warned allies to sever business ties with Iran under threat of secondary sanctions.
- Aug 26 John Ratcliffe was identified as being on the C‑17 that landed in Moscow.
- Aug 26 Kremlin spokesman said Putin had been informed of Ratcliffe's discussions with Russian security services.
- Aug 26 The UK announced the transfer of Storm Shadow missile design data to Ukraine.
- Aug 26 Donald Trump described CIA director John Ratcliffe's recent trip to Moscow as a “semi-routine” mission, suggesting it focused on the Ukraine conflict.
- Aug 27 Russia’s foreign intelligence chief publicly confirmed the meeting with the CIA director.
- Aug 27 Russia labeled U.S. reports of a NATO warning as “scare stories.”
- Aug 27 Ukrainian forces launched close to 800 drones toward Moscow in a coordinated operation.
- Aug 29 A Russian attack on the Bucha area of Kyiv region killed at least 27 people, damaged dozens of homes and set off a large blaze, prompting evacuations.
- Aug 30 Ratcliffe warned Russia about possible attacks on NATO members and urged it to cease arms transfers to Iran.
- Aug 30 Death toll revised to 37 and the strike identified as a drone hit on a warehouse in Myla west of Kyiv.
- Aug 30 Russia announced preparation for large‑scale assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities.
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