This year, Ukraine's defense budget has a shortfall of €23 billion, forcing Kyiv to urgently seek financial resources. The funds are needed not only for weapons and air defense but also to pay soldiers, support families of the deceased, and ensure necessary supplies for the start of 2027.
“We are not asking you to fight for us. Give Ukraine everything to stop this war, to stop it faster than Putin can start the next one,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The financial shortfall arose after the defense ministry advanced spending originally planned for the second half of the year, while a €90 billion loan from the EU has been delayed due to obstacles raised by Hungary.
This shortfall adds to the €30 billion that Europe has already promised Ukraine this year as part of the €90 billion loan.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was in Kyiv on Monday to attend the so-called “volunteers' coalition” meeting.
European Council President Antonio Costa, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldova President Maia Sandu, Estonia President Alar Karis, Finland President Alexander Stubb, and other northern and Baltic leaders also attended the event in person, while French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined remotely.
“The Ukrainian people deserve not only continued support but also our gratitude… I am determined that we will work together in the volunteers' coalition to provide you with the necessary support,” Burnham stated in his announcement.
