Zelensky asks EU to advance funds to cover next year’s defence costs ahead of winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told leaders from the Nordic and Baltic countries at a Kyiv summit that Ukraine is under severe financial strain on its defence efforts and asked them to bring forward parts of an EU financing package planned for next year.

Zelensky said the Ministry of Defence faces a budget shortfall of $27 billion after earlier spending decisions used funds that had been earmarked for the second half of 2026. He proposed that a portion of the EU financing — structured as a European loan for next year — be released already this year so Kyiv can cover immediate needs.

Leaders meet ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day as winter approaches

According to Zelensky, the money would be spent "to ensure that our soldiers have weapons in January, February and March." He also said Ukraine wants an additional 300 Patriot missiles for the coming winter, while the Air Force has requested 360.

The summit in Kyiv brought together Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.

Addressing the group, President Stubb said: "We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary, and perhaps we stand here now in bright sunshine and I felt this morning when I got on the train that I was travelling through the Ukrainian flag with yellow fields and blue sky. But we all know that winter is coming. We all know it will continue to be hard. But whatever happens, be sure that you will win, you have won and we will continue to support you."

Prime Minister Frederiksen added that when Ukraine urgently needed weapons, ammunition, tanks and F-16s, partners delivered, and that the same commitment must now extend to air defence: "When you urgently needed weapons, ammunition, we delivered. When you needed tanks and our F-16s, we delivered. And when you needed investments in your own defence industry, we delivered. And now when you urgently need a strong air defence, we must promise that we will deliver. Together we committed to quickly develop a new missile system. To protect your cities and to strengthen Europe's defence."

Zelensky warned the shortfall is particularly acute because the United States and European partners are struggling to expand production. He said he hopes Ukraine could receive as much as 5% or 10% of U.S. reserves and that Kyiv would be able to pay for them.

Photo: press material from the event