Zelensky asks EU for extra $79 billion to sustain Ukraine’s war effort
Por Agence France-Presse — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Ukraine war World Europe Zelensky asks EU for extra $79 billion to sustain Ukraine’s war effort
Kyiv warns annual wartime costs will hit US$174 billion as European leaders debate tapping frozen Russian assets to bridge funding shortfall
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Agence France-Presse Published: 11:09pm, 16 Oct 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday asked European Union leaders to provide Kyiv an extra 70 billion euros (US$79 billion) in funding next year to help it keep fighting Russia.
“The war will cost 155 billion euros next year. And we need at least 70 billion euros more from you – for defence, for weapons and for our resilience,” Zelensky said in a speech at an EU summit in Brussels.
“This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back.”
The EU – Ukraine ’s biggest intentional backer – is currently paying out instalments of a 90-billion-euro loan for Kyiv that was set to help cover funding to the end of 2027. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x 1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:00 00:00 1x AI-generated voice