Zelenskyy urges EU to provide at least €70 billion in defense support for Ukraine in 2027
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the European Union to provide Ukraine with at least €70 billion ($81 billion) in additional support in 2027, saying the war is expected to cost €155 billion next year.
Addressing a European Council meeting on October 16, Zelenskyy described the requested amount as realistic and said it was needed for defense, weapons and Ukraine's resilience.
He urged EU leaders to secure the funding to help Ukraine withstand Russia's invasion.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian drones were responsible for stopping most Russian assaults along the front line, disrupting Russian supply routes and targeting Russia's economy.
Ukraine could double or triple production of some types of drones, he said, but lacks the funding to do so.
He argued that expanding production could allow Ukraine to exert two or three times as much pressure on Russia as it does today.
The president also warned EU leaders against easing sanctions on Russia, arguing that any relaxation would allow Moscow to generate additional revenue for its war effort.
He called for a strong 22nd EU sanctions package targeting companies and individuals involved in Russia's financial system and the production of ballistic missiles, drones and advanced military communications equipment.
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