Defence

The European Commission disbursed €1.24 billion to Ukraine on Wednesday (October 7) under the defence component of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, earmarked for drones, drone interceptors, ammunition, and missiles produced by Ukrainian entities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the payment would strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry and its ability to protect people and infrastructure. She described Russia’s ongoing attacks as a deliberate strategy intended to make daily life increasingly difficult for Ukrainians. The Ukraine Support Loan provides an indicative €60 billion for defence and €30 billion for budgetary assistance during 2026–2027. The European Commission plans to disburse €28.3 billion for Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity in 2026, with further payments under the defence component expected in the coming weeks. Funding decisions are based on Ukraine’s evolving requirements and remain subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi, the latest payment brings Ukraine’s defence financing received through the programme to nearly €13 billion. He said the government would continue working with European partners to ensure the remaining planned funding is delivered on schedule and in full For the remainder of 2026, €32.5 billion in EU financial support remains available to Ukraine. This includes €28.1 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan – €15.4 billion for defence industrial capacity and €12.7 billion in budget support. A further €4.4 billion remains available through the Ukraine Facility, bringing the total budget support available for 2026 to more than €17 billion, subject to Ukraine meeting the relevant conditions. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided €228.7 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion generated from immobilised Russian assets.

Kazakh president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, declared September 25 a national day of mourning following the deaths of servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea. Twelve Kazakh servicemen died after being swept into the Caspian Sea during the Khazar Qorgany–2026 naval exercises in the Mangystau region on Thursday (September 24). The incident occurred after weather conditions suddenly deteriorated and winds intensified during a combat training mission. In a Telegram post, the Ministry of Defence reported that 19 servicemen had been swept into the sea. So far, three have been rescued, one of whom was hospitalized, while 12 bodies have been recovered.  Search operations were continuing for the remaining four servicemen. A large-scale rescue and recovery effort has been launched, involving Kazakhstan’s Naval Forces, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, aviation assets and other relevant services.   Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, who is leading a government commission at the scene, ordered a continuous, round-the-clock search for those still missing. Authorities were also instructed to provide financial and other assistance to the families of the deceased. (click image to read in full)