Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday asked European Union leaders for an additional €70 billion ($79 billion) in support next year to sustain his country’s war effort against Russia.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky said the conflict would cost Ukraine €155 billion in 2027.
“The war will cost €155 billion next year. And we need at least €70 billion more from you – for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience,” he told the leaders.
“This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back.”
The European Union, Ukraine’s largest international backer, is currently disbursing a €90 billion support loan covering 2026 and 2027. Ukrainian authorities have warned of a significant shortfall as Russian attacks continue to strain the economy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday that the EU would need to increase its financial assistance to Ukraine.
“We must do everything we can to help Ukraine through the winter and also to help next year,” Merz said. “We will have to increase the funds again here to really assist Ukraine on a lasting basis.”
Zelensky also called on EU leaders to incorporate Ukraine’s defence needs into the bloc’s long-term budget for 2028-2034.
“It is our – Ukrainian – strength, our army, our technologies that help guarantee also European security, your security,” he said. “These security guarantees are not yet reflected – we think – in your budget from 2028 onward.”
