The European Union is set to provide €3.3 billion in aid to Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced. The funding is slated for delivery on September 18 and is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including air and missile defense, while supporting necessary reforms. An earlier report placed the disbursement on Friday, September 17, and said the money would fund missiles and drones. The announcement followed a call between von der Leyen and President Zelenskiy focused on defense financing, which Zelenskiy described as very productive. Market pricing indicates a lower probability of a ceasefire agreement by December 31, 2026, while observers will watch Russia’s military response and diplomatic activity involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the OSCE and the UN Security Council.