Zelensky seeks €70 billion in EU support as Trump criticises him

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked European Union leaders in Brussels on October 16 for an additional €70 billion, approximately $79 billion, to support Ukraine in 2027, AFP reported. The request came amid a dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.

The appeal was a request for further assistance, rather than an announcement that the EU had approved the money. AFP reported that the bloc was already disbursing a €90 billion loan intended to help cover Ukraine’s needs through the end of 2027, but that Ukrainian authorities still warned of a substantial budget shortfall.

Ukraine’s presidency said Zelensky met European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss air defence, energy needs and financial resilience. Its account said the discussions covered support both this year and next year.

Zelensky said preparations for winter needed to include air defence and financing alongside energy assistance, according to the presidency. Costa called for continued support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire.

In a Newsmax interview broadcast on October 15, Trump said Zelensky was “more difficult to deal with than Putin”, Reuters reported. He also criticised renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that they increased global energy prices.

Reuters reported that Kyiv resumed those strikes after abandoning an energy-site ceasefire announced by Trump. Russia had continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, while Zelensky said Ukraine’s patience had run out.

The Brussels talks brought together two separate needs: immediate assistance through winter and additional financing for 2027. The €70 billion appeal remains a funding request; expressions of political support do not themselves establish that it has been approved.