Zelenskyy asks EU for €70 billion in additional Ukraine aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked European Union leaders for an additional €70 billion ($79 billion) next year to fund Ukraine’s defence, weapons and resilience, as the Brussels summit underscored strains between Kyiv and Washington over Russian refinery strikes, a diesel deal and access to military satellite service. Zelenskyy said the war would cost €155 billion ($174 billion) next year and urged EU leaders to provide the extra funding. The figures were his estimates and request, not an EU commitment. The bloc is already paying installments on a €90 billion loan intended to cover funding through the end of 2027, while Ukrainian officials say a further budget gap remains. European Council President António Costa called for increased support and pressure on Russia, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged continued assistance through the winter. Some EU leaders urged caution over new financial commitments. EU foreign ministers may discuss Ukraine’s funding needs in December, according to reporting on the summit. The funding appeal came as Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s renewed attacks on Russian oil refineries. He said Kyiv resumed the strikes...