Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday welcomed EU member states' agreement to grant Ukraine a derogation allowing it to purchase crucial products needed for Patriot air defense systems. "Together with NATO Secretary General Rutte, I welcome the agreement by member states on the derogation for Ukraine to purchase crucial products for Patriot air defense systems," von der Leyen said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the next disbursement of £3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) under the Ukraine Support Loan is expected to enable Kyiv to better protect its airspace against Russian attacks. This disbursement builds upon the £8.4 billion already provided under the same loan scheme, which has included funding for air defense systems.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union will continue working closely with NATO and its allies to support Ukraine and strengthen Europe's defense posture. The terms of the EU's Support Loan include a European preference, which means Ukraine is expected to prioritize purchases from European manufacturers. The derogation serves as a temporary relaxation or suspension of the law, allowing the procurement of foreign-made equipment if no European equivalent exists or if European manufacturers cannot meet the required scale and pace of production.