Zelensky asks EU for €70 billion more as €90 billion credit nears exhaustion

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has requested at least €70 billion in additional EU funding for 2027, during a summit in Brussels, as previously agreed €90 billion credit nears exhaustion. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever had predicted the request, stating Zelensky would likely remind European leaders that the funds are running out because "war is a very expensive affair." De Wever noted European countries must decide whether to continue financing Ukraine's state institutions and defense system. Zelensky estimated that combat operations in 2027 will require approximately €155 billion total, with at least €70 billion needed for defense purposes. European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed the EU's intention to maintain support for Kyiv.