Zelenskyy warns $27B funding gap could leave Ukraine short of weapons
The president said he received a positive and constructive response from the EU during his diplomatic talks this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Friday that a $27 billion funding gap could leave his country short of weapons early next year. This shortfall, announced in August, stems from Ukraine having to bring forward defense spending originally planned for the second half of the year, due to Hungary delaying the EU's €90 billion loan to Kyiv.
Despite Europe pledging €30 billion in funding this year, the gap persists, with a significant portion needed for drones, missiles, and supplies for Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy emphasized during WhatsApp talks with reporters that "about a third of this money, perhaps even a little more, is for drones for January, February, and March.
And if we do not order and pay for them in October and November, we will face serious challenges in January and February." He urged European partners, especially the European Commission, to provide the second tranche of the loan sooner to secure necessary drones and missiles for the upcoming months. Zelenskyy reported that the EU responded positively to his concerns during recent diplomatic negotiations.
Additionally, EU member countries recently agreed to release €6.6 billion in European Peace Facility funds for Ukraine, with €900 million earmarked for the Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine, €1 billion for new joint equipment procurement, and €4.7 billion in reimbursements to Member States.
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