Zelensky calls on EU to increase funding for Ukraine's defense in 2027

Ukraine will need at least 70 billion euros in additional assistance from European partners to finance defense in 2027. President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated the total cost of continuing the war next year at 155 billion euros.

The head of state made this statement on October 16 during his address at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine is forced to prepare for the continuation of the full-scale war, as Russia shows no readiness to end it.

“Next year the war will cost 155 billion euros. And we need at least 70 billion euros in additional assistance from you — for defense, armament, and our resilience. This is a realistic amount,” — the president said, addressing European leaders.

Zelensky called on EU member states to find the necessary funds, emphasizing that continued funding will allow Ukraine to hold back Russian forces and develop its own defense capabilities.

One of the main areas for using the additional assistance should be increasing drone production.

The president noted that the Ukrainian defense industry already has the technological capabilities for a significant expansion of drone output, but existing production capacities are constrained by insufficient funding.

According to him, depending on the type of drone, Ukraine could increase production two to threefold. This would allow to expand the capabilities of the Defense Forces and increase pressure on Russian military infrastructure.

Zelensky urged European states to invest directly in Ukrainian defense enterprises, as well as in joint production of drones and other weapons on the territory of EU countries.

The president paid special attention to the use of frozen Russian assets as a long-term financial instrument to support Ukraine.

He reminded that most of the blocked Russian state funds are located in European jurisdictions. According to him, the EU's existing lending mechanism already helps Ukraine, but it is necessary to ensure the safekeeping of all frozen assets and the possibility of their further use.

Zelensky proposed to consider the creation of a special depository under EU control. In his opinion, such a mechanism could reduce the risks of unfreezing Russian funds and ensure their preservation for future financial decisions.

In December 2025, the European Council agreed to provide Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros for 2026–2027. The financing is carried out through EU borrowings on capital markets backed by the European budget.

However, the issue of additional funding for Ukraine for 2027 remains a subject of discussion among European states. The 70 billion euro need voiced by Zelensky does not mean that the EU has already agreed to allocate such an amount.

The president also called on the EU to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, in particular to adopt the 22nd package of restrictions and expand sanctions against companies involved in the production of Russian missiles, drones, and communication systems.

Another priority named by Zelensky is strengthening Ukraine's air defense amid ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.

The head of state stressed that Ukraine needs additional resources to counter ballistic missiles and drones, and European partners should take into account the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry when planning long-term security expenditures.

Source: Office of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, European Council.