WorldPosted at: Oct 16 2026 9:03PM


Zelensky seeks additional €70bn in EU support for Ukraine next year

Kyiv, Oct 16 (UNI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today urged European union leaders to provide an additional €70 billion euros in financial and military assistance next year, arguing that the funding is essential to counter Russia's military advances and sustain Ukraine's war effort.
The request comes on top of a €90 billion EU loan approved to cover Ukraine's needs across 2026 and 2027, placing further pressure on European governments grappling with rising debt and borrowing costs.
Speaking at an EU summit today in Brussels, Zelensky pointed that additional funding would help Ukraine use drones and other technologies to target Russian forces, supply lines and the country's war economy.
"Putin has now put together a federal budget to spend even more money on his war. We have to push back against this. And we know how to do it with technology. It costs much less and helps stop his operations against Ukraine and against you," he told European leaders.
"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. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back," he said.
Zelensky also defended Ukraine's right to continue fighting as US President Donald Trump steps up engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticises Kyiv's military strategy.
Responding to a question from Euronews at a press conference, Zelensky said Ukraine would continue to defend itself despite pressure from Washington.
"I defend the interests of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people exclusively. We were attacked, occupied, and our people were killed. It is only logical that we have the right to defend ourselves," he stressed.
"And however much Russia might wish to restrict all our rights, it is clear that we have the right to defend ourselves," he added.
The remarks came after Trump described Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries as a "disgrace" and demanded new elections in the country. He also criticised Zelensky's approach to negotiations, telling Newsmax: "I find Zelenskyy to be more difficult to deal with than Putin."
UNI ANV SS
Tags: #Zelensky seeks additional €70bn in EU support for Ukraine next year
More News

Ukrainian drone attacks force closure of Moscow’s 4 primary airports, cancellation of 160 flights

16 Oct 2026 | 10:28 PM

Moscow, Oct 16 (UNI) Ukrainian drone attacks forced all four of Moscow’s main airports to suspend operations overnight, disrupting air travel and leading to the cancellation of more than 160 flights.

see more..

Zelensky seeks additional €70bn in EU support for Ukraine next year

16 Oct 2026 | 9:03 PM

Kyiv, Oct 16 (UNI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today urged European union leaders to provide an additional €70 billion euros in financial and military assistance next year, arguing that the funding is essential to counter Russia's military advances and sustain Ukraine's war effort.

see more..

Zelensky defends strikes on Russian oil refineries post Trump criticism, says he's 'only standing up for Ukraine's interests'

16 Oct 2026 | 8:54 PM

Kyiv, Oct 16 (UNI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today defended Kyiv's renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries, contending he is "only standing up for Ukraine's interests" after US President Donald Trump accused him of obstructing efforts to end the war.

see more..

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party obtains lead over Netanyahu’s Likud, polls show

16 Oct 2026 | 8:52 PM

Jerusalem, Oct 16 (UNI) As Israel’s Knesset elections draw near, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party has widened its lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, although neither camp is projected to secure a parliamentary majority, according to a new poll published by Zman Yisrael.

see more..

Canadian PM Mark Carney urges Alberta to reject separation referendum, says US trying to weaken national unity

16 Oct 2026 | 8:04 PM

Calgary, Oct 16 (UNI) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the US is seeking to weaken Canada so that it can "own us", urging Albertans to reject a push towards separation ahead of a vote on Monday.

see more..