Zelensky warns of 20 million refugees if Ukraine falls to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned at an EU summit in Brussels that up to 20 million Ukrainians could flee to Europe if Ukraine falls to Russia, urging further financial and military aid. Zelensky stated Russia is "killing us" and displacing Ukrainians from their country. Over four million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status in EU states, mainly in Germany, Poland, and Czechia, following Europe's largest displacement since World War II. Ukraine faces a projected budget deficit of $30-35 billion next year despite €90 billion in pledged EU loans. Zelensky sought new commitments, though EU discussions are complicated by energy costs and negotiations over a €2 trillion multi-year budget.