NATO allies commit €140 billion to Ukraine, boost defenses after Su‑35 shootdown

At a NATO summit in Ankara, member states pledged an additional €70 billion in 2026 for Ukraine and said they would keep the same level of support in 2027, bringing total two‑year aid to at least €140 billion. The assistance, largely provided by European allies and Canada through bilateral and multilateral channels, includes new weapons purchases worth $50 billion and expanded cooperation with the defence industry. Delegates also announced the creation of a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, founded by nine countries—including Canada, Luxembourg, Turkey and Ukraine—to finance projects that counter Russia.

Separately, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down a Russian Su‑35 fighter jet in the east of the country. The kill was credited to a coordinated action involving three F‑16 jets and a Patriot air‑defence system, with the fighter reportedly armed with long‑range R‑37M missiles. The Russian pilot ejected safely. The success highlights the impact of the newly pledged Western support on Ukraine’s air‑defence capabilities.