Zelensky asks EU for €70 billion of €155 billion war cost in 2027

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Friday that the war will cost 155 billion euros in 2027, requesting at least 70 billion euros in additional support from Europe for defense, weapons, and resilience. Zelensky called the figure realistic and said the aid would help contain Russia, adding that Putin intends to remain on the scene for a long time and is building a Russia resembling North Korea, where children are educated for war. He stressed that Ukraine's military strength and technologies also guarantee European security, but said these guarantees are not yet reflected in the EU budget from 2028, urging leaders to define how Ukrainian defense capabilities should be included.