The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the exemption covers "critically important components" and was agreed by EU member states.
Under the loan's usual terms, funds must go primarily toward weapons of European or Ukrainian manufacture. Bloomberg reported that European countries accelerated the approval ahead of winter, with sources saying the missiles would reach Ukraine before cold weather sets in.
The same day, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany would supply Ukraine with PAC-2 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems from Bundeswehr stocks. He also said Germany would increase deliveries of air-to-air missiles and continue supplying drones and long-range ammunition.
Britain announced an additional air-defense package worth £100 million (about €117 million), including Patriot missiles, large-caliber shells and drones, the government in London said.
Neither von der Leyen nor media reports specified who would supply the missiles. NATO and EU countries have previously pressed Spain and Greece to hand over Patriot missiles to Ukraine — both hold some of the largest interceptor arsenals, and part of their stock is nearing the end of its shelf life. Greece insisted it needed the systems itself amid tensions with Turkey.
At a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Pistorius urged allies to step up support for Kyiv, noting that as temperatures drop Russia is likely to intensify strikes on infrastructure. "I understand that it is not easy to find a balance between your own security needs and the urgently needed support for Ukraine. But please: if in doubt, decide in favor of Ukraine," he said. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged that alliance members "need to try harder."