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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European Union (EU) leaders on Friday to allocate an additional 70 billion euros ($79 billion) in aid next year to sustain Kyiv’s defence against Russia.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky outlined the financial strain of the ongoing conflict, stating, “The war will cost 155 billion euros next year. And we need at least 70 billion euros more from you — for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience.”
He urged leaders to secure the funds, emphasising, “This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back.”
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While the EU is already disbursing instalments from a 90-billion-euro loan package meant to support Kyiv through 2027, Ukrainian officials warned that severe budget shortfalls persist as Russian strikes continue to damage the economy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed calls for increased funding during the Brussels summit, declaring, “We must do everything we can to help Ukraine through the winter and also to help next year.” Merz added, “We will have to increase the funds again here to really assist Ukraine on a lasting basis.”
The European Commission is currently coordinating with Kyiv to establish the precise funding requirements for the upcoming year, with diplomats indicating EU foreign ministers may debate the proposal in December.
The request has revived debates over utilising nearly 200 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets, though resistance from Belgium—where most assets reside—has slowed progress.
Consequently, the EU is pressing key international partners, including Britain, Canada, and Japan, to help close Ukraine’s financial gap.
