16.10.2026 17:33
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked European Union leaders for at least 70 billion euros in additional support for next year. Stating that the total cost of the war will reach 155 billion euros, Zelenskyy said that if sufficient financing is provided, they could triple drone production. The Ukrainian leader, who called for increased sanctions against Russia, also used harsh remarks about Putin.
Ukrainian President Zelensky made a noteworthy call to the European Union for financial support. Addressing the European Council meeting, the Ukrainian leader, while announcing the cost of the ongoing war with Russia for next year, called on European countries to allocate more resources for defense spending.
THE WAR'S BILL WAS STAGGERING: 155 BILLION EUROS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the total cost of the war next year will reach 155 billion euros. Emphasizing that the European Union's financial support is vital for his country to maintain its defense capacity, Zelensky requested additional resources from the leaders. Stating that Ukraine is struggling to meet its military needs, Zelensky said that at least 70 billion euros in additional financing is needed. He stated that the requested resources would be used for arms supplies, defense systems, and increasing the country's resilience against wartime conditions.
HE CALLED ON EUROPE: ASKED FOR 70 BILLION EUROS MORE
Directly appealing to EU leaders, Zelensky said that Ukraine's current production capacity cannot be fully used due to insufficient financing. Zelensky commented, "For our defense, weapons, and resilience, we need at least 70 billion euros more in support from you. This is a realistic amount, and I ask you to find this support. We stop most Russian attacks thanks to drones. We can currently produce two or three times more UAVs depending on the type, but we do not have enough money for that." Noting that they could triple UAV production, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that they need Europe's financial support for this.
HARSH WORDS FOR PUTIN: HE COMPARED RUSSIA TO NORTH KOREA
Also targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in his speech, Zelensky argued that the Moscow administration is transforming the country into an increasingly closed and military-focused structure. Claiming that children in Russia are being prepared for war from an early age, Zelensky alleged that Putin has turned his country into a North Korea-like system. Saying that without the European Union's determined stance, Russia's aggression would have reached much further dimensions, Zelensky stated that cooperation between the US and Europe must be preserved.
CALL FOR NEW SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA
Opposing the easing of sanctions on Russia, Zelensky argued that agreements especially in the energy sector provide Moscow with new sources of financing. Criticizing the diesel agreement, the Ukrainian leader said, "This 'diesel agreement' will never be enough to compensate for the impact of the Strait of Hormuz on global markets. However, it will put more money directly into Putin's pocket for financing the war. We need a strong 22nd EU sanctions package."