Zelenskyy asks EU summit for more funding and support amid rift with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked EU leaders in Brussels for nearly $80 billion for next year and warned of a hard winter. Relations with US President Donald Trump are strained, and the European Council asked the Commission to draft a proposal for extra funding in 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels on Friday and asked them to keep up military and financial backing for Ukraine. He did so as relations with US President Donald Trump have worsened, and as Ukraine prepares for what experts see as its hardest winter since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Three difficult topics
The summit discussed US relations with Russia, the Starlink satellite internet service, and money. Trump told the news channel Newsmax that he finds Zelenskyy harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also agreed on October 12 to buy Russian diesel, a step back from sanctions imposed on Russia. When Zelenskyy ordered fresh strikes on Russian oil refineries, Trump called the decision "a disgrace".
Zelenskyy said US-made missiles are being sent to the Middle East, so Ukraine is clearly not a priority. Since the full-scale invasion began, the US has been Ukraine's largest military donor.
Starlink disruptions
Ukraine uses Starlink, developed by Elon Musk, and its military version Starshield for battlefield communications, strikes on occupied territory and interceptor drones. Zelenskyy expressed surprise at disruptions that he said have hobbled Ukraine's ability to defend itself. Musk and the White House deny responsibility. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe cannot replace this capability in the short term. Zelenskyy said the speed has improved but is not fully restored, and Ukraine is working with several countries, including France, on a partial solution.
Budget needs
Zelenskyy asked the EU to provide nearly $80 billion (€70 billion) next year. Last year the EU gave Ukraine a loan of about $100 billion (€90 billion). European Council President Antonio Costa said Ukraine remains a priority and asked the European Commission to prepare a proposal for more funds in 2027. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised the EU will keep leading support but urged international partners to do more. Zelenskyy left Brussels without concrete promises or figures.
