EU disburses first three billion euros from aid loan to Ukraine

Background: Financial aid and drone production

In parallel to the financial commitments, President Zelensky approved a new intelligence operation in the evening, which according to his own words is intended to force Russia into peace, Zelensky announced. The operation will last 40 days; he did not provide details.

Following an ultimatum from Kyiv to Belarus to dismantle signal amplifiers for Russian drones, the equipment has been switched off. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this. Ukraine is thereby stepping up its drone defense strategy against attacks from the Russian direction.

New intelligence operation and drone defense

The conflict thus continues unchanged: Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for more than four years. Russian authorities reported deaths in Crimea and in Russia, while Ukrainian officials announced attacks. A drone attack on the Russian industrial city of Ufa was repelled according to the news ticker, and a fire also broke out at a Russian oil depot.

Poland is also standing behind Kyiv: At the reconstruction conference, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged continued support to Ukraine despite a dispute. The host country of the conference thus reaffirmed its solidarity with the attacked country and held out the prospect of further assistance.

Internationally, a show of unity is meanwhile being sought: Two weeks before the NATO summit, five European member states met in Berlin. Support for Ukraine was also on the agenda. Europe is seeking a united front with the USA ahead of the NATO summit.

Diplomatic front: NATO, the USA and Poland

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meanwhile defended the European allies. The Kremlin sees contradictions in US mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

Overall, the reports of 25 June 2026 paint a picture of growing financial and political support for Ukraine alongside ongoing fighting and new operations. The EU payment is the first concrete tranche from the large-scale aid package and is intended to increase the financial pressure on Russia.

The coming days will show when the further funds – in particular the announced money for drone production – actually flow and how the 40-day intelligence operation will influence the course of the war.

The political situation remains tense: While reconstruction aid was agreed in Gdańsk, the fighting continues. Ukraine is placing increased emphasis on drone defense and targeted counterattacks, supported by a growing international alliance.