Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed for at least €70 billion of additional financial support for 2027 in order to strengthen Ukraine’s security and arms in order to stay strong as the war with Russia goes on.
Zelenskyy told the European Council summit in Brussels on October 16, 2026 that the amount is realistic and recommended European leaders to provide the assistance needed to sustain Ukraine’s military operations.
His call comes as Kyiv is subjected to continued Russian attacks and to uncertainty about the future of international military and financial support.
“The war will cost €155 billion next year. And we need at least €70 billion more from you for defence, for weapons and for our resilience. This is a realistic amount,” Zelenskyy told European leaders in his speech.
Why Is Ukraine Asking for More Money
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s war-related expenditure for 2027 could reach €155 billion. The extra €70 billion would be needed to provide for the country’s defence needs, support weapons production and strengthen its ability to withstand Russian military operations.
The Ukrainian president specifically highlighted the importance of drone technology in the conflict. Ukrainian forces are using drones to counter Russian assaults, disrupt supply lines and put pressure on Russia’s economy.
Zelenskyy also argued that Ukraine could significantly expand its drone production if more funding came into play. Depending on the type of drone, he said, the country could produce two to three times more than its current production.
The request therefore goes beyond buying weapons from foreign suppliers. It also shows Kyiv's desire to increase domestic production and the military capability of the country’s military forces as war goes on.
ZELENSKY : "We need at least 70 billion euros more for defense, for weapons, and for our resilience". https://t.co/C9ruEJ8v9M
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) October 16, 2026
Europe Faces Difficult Funding Decisions
The appeal puts even greater pressure on European governments to deal with how to provide financial and military support to Ukraine. EU leaders have backed Kyiv repeatedly but decisions about the bloc’s budget, loans and how much it expects from individual member states are also needed.
The funding debate is also happening with uncertainty about the level of future American support. European governments are increasingly discussing how to sustain Ukraine’s defence if Washington’s position changes or its assistance becomes less predictable.
Zelenskyy’s request comes after the European Union and Ukraine identified arrangements to cover the country’s financial and defence needs for 2026. The latest appeal focuses on the next year and the additional resources Kyiv says it will need.
What Happens Next
European leaders will have to think of how to respond to the request, either through additional loans or other financing packages. The final amount, funding mechanism and contributions from each country will be determined by future talks and decisions.
For Ukraine, the stakes remain high. Ukraine has to protect itself with weapons, ammunition, air defence systems and drone technology in the fight against Russian attacks. Funding is also critical to the defense of the security systems and national defence and resilience of the country’s economy.
Zelenskyy’s €70 billion appeal has brought the financial demands of war back into focus. While Kyiv argues that the proposed amount is realistic and necessary, European governments must weigh the request against their own budgetary priorities and long-term commitments.
The discussions will help define how Europe will help Ukraine through 2027 as the war continues to shape the continent’s security and political landscape.
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