Ukraine needs at least EUR 70 bln more for defense next year – Zelenskyy

European leaders reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his nation during the final day of an EU summit in Brussels on Friday. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa emphasized that it is imperative to maintain support for Kyiv amid escalating Russian aggression and unfavorable US diplomatic choices.

Costa asserted, "This is no time to withdraw support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia's sanctions. Now it is time to increase our support, to increase our pressure." Von der Leyen echoed, "We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops this war." These statements followed a recent US decision by President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports and purchase diesel from Russian tankers after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This move came after a US official disclosed that Washington was contemplating easing sanctions on Russia's unflagged tankers, which circumvent international export sanctions by turning off transponders while transporting illicit oil. Zelenskyy, upon his arrival at the summit, expressed the desire to end the war swiftly, stating, "We don't see signals from the Russian side that they are ready for this, to end this war, that's why we have to prepare for the winter."

The winter package encompasses energy, air defense, and financial aid. Trump's appeal for Zelenskyy's removal from office stemmed from his belief that the Ukrainian leader was unwilling to cease the war and his attempt to deflect attention from his own conflict in Iran. Trump asserted, "All he's doing is making the world oil price higher."

When queried about Ukraine resuming attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, Trump characterized it as a "disgrace." Earlier in the week, Kyiv reported limitations on its usage of Elon Musk's Starshield system, a military-grade satellite service utilized by Ukraine for battlefield communication, mid-range strikes on Russian-occupied territories, and interceptor drones.