Zelensky asks EU for 70 billion euros more, warns of mass Ukrainian exodus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked EU allies at the Brussels summit for an additional 70 billion euros next year, warning that 20 million Ukrainians could flee to Europe if Ukraine falls. Zelensky said the war will cost 155 billion euros next year, requiring at least 70 billion more for defense, weapons, and resilience. Ukraine's finance minister previously cited shortfalls of nearly 29 billion euros in economic aid and 40 billion in defense support. The EU plans to disburse 45 billion euros of a 90-billion-euro loan in 2027. Zelensky also met Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who expressed satisfaction over a minority education law, with both agreeing to continue ministerial talks. Germany blamed Russia for an August drone incident at Leipzig airport.