Zelenskyy asks for $78 billion in European aid for Ukraine

After the United States pulled back from funding Ukraine, Europe has become Kyiv’s chief backer. It has spent more than $255 billion so far, and Ukraine is seeking additional support.(CN) — During a visit to Brussels on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked European leaders for $78 billion in new funding to help his country carry on its fight against Russia next year.Zelenskyy’s request further complicated Europe’s fiscal troubles. His plea came as the European Union’s 27 national leaders held difficult negotiations in Brussels over funding the bloc’s next seven-year, $2.2 trillion budget, with cuts and new taxes under consideration.Germany is leading a group of wealthier countries demanding cuts amid rising public debt and borrowing costs. Europe’s richest countries contribute the bulk of the EU budget.Agriculture, infrastructure, international aid and scientific research are among the areas facing cuts. But reductions would be deeply unpopular, particularly in poorer regions that rely on EU funding.The budget fight is expected to continue into November and December. EU leaders hope to reach a deal on the 2028-2035 budget before next spring’s French presidential election, given the prospect that far-right, anti-EU leader Marine Le Pen may win. Le Pen has called for cutting France’s EU budget contribution and halting aid to Ukraine, proposals that would upend European politics.EU leaders said Friday they would consider Zelenskyy’s request but made no firm commitment. Europe spent months agreeing on a recent 90 billion euro ($101 billion) loan to Ukraine, and his new request will put further pressure on cash-strapped governments.Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with 227.4 billion euros ($255.2 billion).Still, the EU has committed to unwavering support for Ukraine, making it politically difficult for Brussels to turn down Zelenskyy.“This is a realistic amount,” Zelenskyy told European leaders. “It will help us hold Russia back.”Zelenskyy said the money was needed to build more drones to target Russian troops, supply lines and infrastructure deep inside Russia. He urged the EU to use billions of dollars in Russian assets frozen in Belgium, a step that would carry serious legal, financial and political risks for Europe.Portraying Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “sick man” bent on war and conquering Europe, Zelenskyy argued the funds were crucial to holding back the threat from Moscow.“If he wins, everything that holds you together and keeps your people living in peace will simply be gone,” Zelenskyy said.Europe has become Ukraine’s lifeline since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House and Washington cut off financial aid to Kyiv.The U.S. continues to provide crucial intelligence and military support, but Europe is footing the bill for Ukraine’s war needs and government operations.Zelenskyy made his request at a two-day summit of the EU’s 27 national leaders in Brussels, where he received a warm welcome.For Zelenskyy, the embrace was a welcome show of confidence amid a feud with Trump. Zelenskyy criticized Trump for lifting sanctions on Russian diesel this week, while Trump called on him to resign, arguing he was blocking a peace deal with Russia.Courthouse News reporter Cain Burdeau is based in the European Union.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads