Zelensky Seeks Additional €70bn From Europe For Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked European leaders for an additional €70bn to help fund Ukraine’s defence and other spending in 2027 as the war against Russia continues.

Zelensky made the appeal during a European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels on Friday, warning of the financial demands Ukraine faces as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion.

The funding gap covers military and regular budget needs. The European Commission has yet to validate Kyiv’s full estimate, but officials acknowledge that Ukraine will require substantial additional support beyond the funds already planned for next year.

The European Union has already agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90bn loan covering 2026 and 2027, with €45bn allocated for each year. However, the existing package is not expected to meet all of Ukraine’s projected needs for 2027.

Zelensky has also urged European countries to consider using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defence, arguing that the funds should help protect the country against Russia’s continued aggression.

The proposal remains contentious, with Belgium and other EU member states expressing concerns about using the assets, most of which are held in Belgium.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Friday that the EU would probably need to provide Ukraine with another loan to bridge its funding shortfall.

“European financial assistance has to be there,” Michal told Reuters, describing continued support as essential to Ukraine’s war effort.

EU leaders are expected to continue discussions on how to secure additional funding as Ukraine prepares for another year of fighting and mounting financial demands.