Zelensky warns EU: Ukrainian defeat could send 20 million refugees to Europe

Zelensky warned at the EU Council that a Ukrainian defeat could drive 20 million refugees into Europe, urging continued support as Brussels faces a funding shortfall for Kyiv. The EU has allocated 45 billion euros for Ukraine next year, but von der Leyen cited a 70-billion-euro deficit for 2027, calling for contributions from non-European allies. Leaders requested a concrete Commission proposal, while von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed sanctions against Russia remain until the war ends. Zelensky also opposed a US-Russia diesel agreement, fearing it could lead to gas deals and eventual sanction rollbacks. The Pope's truce request for Oleshky was met with skepticism amid low trust in Moscow.