Zelenskyy Seeks Additional $79 Billion from EU as Tensions with Trump Deepen

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked European Union leaders for nearly $79 billion in additional assistance to sustain his country’s war effort next year, as relations with US President Donald Trump continue to deteriorate.

Speaking after meeting EU leaders in Brussels on Friday, Zelenskyy said he was acting solely in the interests of Ukraine and its people.

Tensions between Kyiv and Washington have intensified following reports of a partial easing of sanctions on Russia as part of an agreement related to diesel supplies.

Trump recently described Ukraine’s actions as “disgraceful” after Zelenskyy ordered renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries. The US president also said that reaching an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin was easier than negotiating with Zelenskyy.

“I am exclusively defending the interests of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy told reporters after his meeting with EU leaders.

Asked whether he was being blamed for Trump’s domestic political difficulties ahead of the US midterm congressional elections, Zelenskyy smiled. After a brief pause, he replied, “That is my answer.”

The latest dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy has renewed concerns about whether Washington is shifting towards Moscow’s position in the conflict.

Those concerns have been compounded by disruptions to a key satellite communications system supplied by the United States, which have reportedly affected Ukraine’s ability to respond to intensive Russian bombardments.

Ukraine uses Starshield, SpaceX’s military communications system owned by Elon Musk, to support battlefield communications, medium-range strikes against Russian-occupied areas and the operation of interceptor drones designed to counter aerial threats. Ukraine also uses SpaceX’s civilian Starlink satellite internet service, although the two systems serve different purposes.

Musk, a prominent critic of Zelenskyy, has denied that his company was responsible for disrupting the service. A US official has also said Trump did not intervene in the matter.

Addressing EU leaders, Zelenskyy said he believed most Americans supported Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

“Ultimately, it will be the American people who express their opinion,” he said.

Despite the deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv, European leaders have expressed unified support for Ukraine.

European Council President António Costa said it was not the time to withdraw support for Kyiv or ease sanctions on Moscow.

“Now is the time to increase our support and increase pressure on Russia,” Costa said.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described Ukraine’s situation as extremely critical, citing continued Russian attacks and strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

“Today, it is essential for us, as Europe, to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine and examine what further measures we can take,” Jetten said.

However, verbal assurances alone may not be sufficient to sustain Ukraine’s war effort. Kyiv needs concrete financial and military assistance to maintain its defence capabilities.

Zelenskyy urged European leaders to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defence systems and missiles to intercept Russian missiles.

He also requested an additional €70 billion, equivalent to approximately $79 billion, from the European Union to finance Ukraine’s war effort next year.

“This amount is realistic. I ask you to ensure this assistance. It will help us deter Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that securing the proposed €70 billion in additional financing was essential and called on partner countries to contribute.

EU leaders have tasked the European Commission with preparing a proposal outlining how the additional funding could be arranged.

The request comes as Ukraine seeks to maintain its military capabilities amid continued Russian attacks and uncertainty over the future scale of US assistance. European financial and military support is therefore likely to remain central to Kyiv’s efforts to sustain its defence against Russia.