Zelensky asks EU for extra €70 billion as ties with Trump deteriorate

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked European Union leaders in Brussels on Friday to secure an additional €70 billion (about $79 billion) for Ukraine next year so the country can keep defending itself against Russia's invasion. The appeal comes as Kyiv's relations with US President Donald Trump have sharply worsened, and as European leaders try to show unity.

Dispute with Trump

The rift deepened after Trump eased sanctions on Russia as part of a deal to supply diesel. After Zelensky ordered Ukrainian forces to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, Trump called the actions a "disgrace" and said it was easier to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky. Asked whether he was being made a scapegoat for Trump's domestic problems ahead of the US midterm elections, Zelensky only smiled. He stressed that he defends exclusively the interests of Ukraine and its people.

Concerns have also been heightened by disruptions to a US-provided satellite system, which have hampered Ukraine's ability to counter Russian bombardments. Ukraine uses Starshield, a system from Elon Musk's company SpaceX, for battlefield communications, mid-range strikes on occupied territory and interceptor drones. Musk said his company was not behind the disruption, while a US official denied any intervention by Trump. Zelensky acknowledged that speed has not yet been fully restored, but said it is being restored.

European response

European Council President Antonio Costa said this was no time to withdraw support or ease sanctions on Russia. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the situation in Ukraine as dire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the €70 billion "has to be covered", and leaders instructed the Commission to draft a financing proposal. French President Emmanuel Macron said the request would be analysed, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the EU would discuss it before the end of the year.

The EU is currently paying out instalments of a €90 billion loan intended to cover funding through the end of 2027. Calls have resurfaced to use around €200 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs backed this, but Belgium, where most of the funds are held, remains opposed.