Zelenskyy asks EU for an extra €70bn – Commission told to find options

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the EU at the Brussels summit for at least €70 billion in additional support for 2027, for defence, weapons procurement and the economy. "This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support," he said, according to UNN citing Deutsche Welle. According to Euronews, he put the cost of the war in 2027 at €155 billion. The gap comes on top of the already agreed €90 billion loan for 2026 and 2027.

Heads of state and government agreed that Ukraine's financial needs must be covered but took no decision on the money; the Commission is to present options. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the estimate, according to Euronews, but said the EU would not close the gap alone. French President Emmanuel Macron urged faster disbursement of the €90 billion first: "It is too early to name a specific amount." Contributions from G7 countries and other partners would also be considered, he said.

The shortfall has revived the debate over Russian assets frozen in the EU; Belgium remains opposed to using them. European Council President António Costa and von der Leyen said pressure on Moscow would increase and sanctions would stay until the fighting ends. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged problems with Washington: "But, of course, you can see that it is very difficult with our American allies." Additional air defence deliveries remained unresolved.