Video: Zelenskyy urges EU leaders for extra €70bn in aid, stresses drone power to hold back Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Abdullateef Fowewe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European Union leaders to provide at least an additional €70 billion next year to sustain Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Video: Zelenskyy urges EU leaders for extra €70bn in aid, stresses drone power to hold back Russia
Speaking at the European Council summit in Brussels on Friday, Zelenskyy said the full-scale war is projected to cost €155 billion in 2027.
“And we need at least 70 billion euros more from you – for defense, for weapons, and for our resilience. This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back,” he told the 27 EU leaders.
He highlighted the decisive role of Ukrainian drones on the battlefield.
“We stop most Russian assaults on the front line thanks to drones. We cut Russian supply lines with these technologies. And our drones are helping to weaken Russia’s economy,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine could scale production two or three times higher with sufficient funding: “Right now, we could produce two or three times more drones – depending on the type. But we simply don’t have enough money for that. Just imagine if we could put two or three times more pressure on Russia than we do today.”
The summit focused on continued support for Ukraine, European defense, energy issues, the EU’s long-term budget, and related geopolitical challenges.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, continues into its fifth year.
The European Union remains Ukraine’s largest overall backer of financial, military, and humanitarian aid.
Last year the EU approved a €90 billion loan package covering 2026-2027, yet Ukrainian officials have warned of significant remaining gaps in both defense and economic support.
Discussions at the Brussels summit also touched on accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession path and preparing critical infrastructure for winter amid ongoing Russian strikes.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have acknowledged that additional funding will likely be required.
