Zelensky urges EU to provide Ukraine at least €70 billion for defense in 2027

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed European Union leaders at the Brussels summit on October 16, calling on them to commit at least €70 billion in additional defense funding for Ukraine in 2027. Zelensky argued that European security is inseparable from Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense against Russia.

The request comes amid growing uncertainty about continued US military assistance, which has made European financing more critical for Ukraine's long-term defense capacity. Zelensky said the figure reflects Ukraine's actual needs for ammunition, weapons, and defense industrial capacity over the coming year.

EU leaders at the summit reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, but specific pledges on the €70 billion request were not immediately announced. European officials noted that the EU defense budget is already under significant strain and that new funding mechanisms would need to be developed.