Zelensky Urges EU Leaders to Agree on Additional Financial Support for Ukraine

Zelensky urges the EU to provide new funding for Ukraine to address a financial deficit and reduce military production.

SUMMARY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders to quickly reach an agreement to provide new funding for Ukraine, warning of a significant financial deficit that could impact military production. The EU is discussing offering frozen Russian assets as a loan to Ukraine, but Belgium opposes the plan due to legal and financial concerns.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Zelensky warns of a financial deficit between 45 and 50 billion euros for Ukraine next year.
The EU is discussing providing frozen Russian assets as a loan to Ukraine.
Belgium opposes the plan due to legal and financial risks.
Zelensky emphasizes that the risks are greater due to the state of war.

CORE SUBJECT

EU Funding for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European Union leaders to quickly reach an agreement on providing new funding for Kyiv after attending a crucial summit in Brussels as a guest.

Zelensky told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that without new funding, Ukraine would face a deficit ranging between 45 and 50 billion euros (52.8-58.7 billion dollars) next year and might have to reduce its military production.

The EU leaders meeting in Brussels are discussing the possibility of making frozen Russian assets available to Ukraine in the form of a loan under EU sanctions.

The European Commission proposed providing Ukraine with up to 210 billion euros from frozen Russian assets within the EU, as a compensation loan, of which 90 billion euros would cover financial and military needs during 2026 and 2027.

Belgium, which holds the largest share of these assets, opposes the plan citing legal and financial risks.

Zelensky met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever for a private discussion on the sidelines of the summit.

After the meeting, Zelensky said, "I understand the risks he talks about, but we are at war, and I believe we face greater risks."

KEYWORDS

Zelensky European Union funding Ukraine frozen Russian assets financial deficit military support

MENTIONED ENTITIES 5

Volodymyr Zelensky

👤 Person_Male

President of Ukraine

European Union

🏛️ Organization

Political and economic organization of European countries

Belgium

📍 Location_Country

European country opposing the frozen assets plan

Bart De Wever

👤 Person_Male

Belgian Prime Minister

European Commission

🏛️ Organization

The executive body of the European Union

NOTABLE QUOTES 1

"I understand the risks he talks about, but we are at war, and I believe we face greater risks."

— Volodymyr Zelensky cautious

Context: Statement after meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels