Zelensky asks Europe for €70 billion in extra aid as US ties cool

Ukrainian President Zelensky has requested €70 billion in additional European support for defense, weapons, and resilience, as Ukraine faces a harsh winter and strained relations with the US. The request comes amid daily ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, with Ukraine's Patriot interceptor stockpile nearly depleted. European nations rely heavily on US-made Patriot systems, but the US has its own shortage due to the Iran conflict. Experts suggest Zelensky seeks nearly-expired Patriot missiles from Greece and Spain, though roughly 300 units would be insufficient against large-scale Russian barrages. No European alternative to Patriot exists yet, with Ukraine's new Freyja system not deployable until early next year. US President Trump has criticized Zelensky and pushed for a deal with Russia, following a US-Russian diesel import agreement. Ukraine also faced intelligence gaps this week due to a US satellite malfunction and Starlink unreliability, highlighting its dependence on American technology.