Zelenskyy urges EU to provide at least €70 billion for defence and weapons in 2027
The war will cost Ukraine €155 billion next year, and the country needs at least an additional €70 billion in EU assistance for defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an address to participants in the European Council meeting, Censor.NET reports.
Ukraine's defence
Zelenskyy described the amount as "realistic" and urged partners to secure this support to deter Russia.
In particular, Ukraine needs financial assistance to produce more drones and stop Russian assaults on the front line.
"We stop most Russian assaults on the front line thanks to drones. We cut Russian supply routes using these technologies. And our drones help weaken the Russian economy. Right now, we could double or triple drone production, depending on the type. But we simply do not have enough money for this. That is the truth. Just imagine if we could put two or three times as much pressure on Russia as we do today," Zelenskyy said.
Sanctions against Russia
The head of state also warned EU leaders against any easing of sanctions on Russia.
"We warned that if sanctions were eased anywhere in Europe, others would quickly take advantage of this. And now we see how the diesel deal will allow money to start flowing into Russia again. This 'diesel deal' will never be enough to offset the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on global markets. But it will put more money directly into Putin's pocket to finance this war," the president added.
- The head of state urged EU countries to introduce a strong 22nd sanctions package targeting every company and individual involved in the operation of Russia's financial system and the production of ballistic missiles, drones and modern military communications systems.
