The European Commission on Monday approved 6.1 billion euros (7.12 billion U.S. dollars) in financial aid for Ukraine to procure new defense systems.
The package will be used to purchase new defense systems, including air defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said that Ukraine will not seek alternatives to joining NATO in its pursuit of genuine security guarantees.
Speaking during a meeting with media representatives in Kiev, Zelensky said NATO membership would open up opportunities for Ukraine in terms of funding and arms cooperation.
He said Kiev still needs 30 billion euros in loans from the European Union (EU) this year to cover its fiscal deficit, while also facing a 27-billion-U.S.-dollar shortfall in its defense budget.
EU approves 6.1 bln euros aid package for Ukraine
