Zelensky Seeks €70 Billion from EU as US Ties Worsen
Ukrainian president asks EU for extra war funding after strained relations with Trump.
Key facts
- Zelensky requested €70 billion from EU for 2027 war effort.
- US President Trump eased sanctions on Russia over a diesel-supply deal, causing a rift with Ukraine.
- Trump called Kyiv's actions a "disgrace" and said it was easier to deal with Putin than Zelensky.
- Ukraine relies on SpaceX Starshield for battlefield communications; Musk said his company was not behind recent disruptions.
- EU leaders, including Antonio Costa and Rob Jetten, urged continued support for Ukraine.
Zelensky turned to European allies on Friday, asking Brussels for an additional €70 billion to fund the war next year, according to France 24.
The US-Ukraine relationship deteriorated after the United States eased sanctions on Moscow as part of a diesel‑supply deal, France 24 reported.
Trump branded Kyiv's actions a "disgrace" and said it was easier to deal with Russia's President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky, France 24 said.
Disruptions to a critical US‑provided satellite system hampered Ukraine's ability to counter Russia's bombardments, France 24 noted. Ukraine uses SpaceX's Starshield system for battlefield communications and mid‑range strikes; Elon Musk said his company was not behind the disruption, and a US official denied any intervention by Trump.
EU leaders showed unity. Antonio Costa said it was no time to withdraw support or relieve Russia's sanctions, and Rob Jetten said Europe must demonstrate unconditional support for Ukraine, France 24 quoted.
Zelensky said he defends the interests of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people exclusively, and when asked if he was a scapegoat for Trump's domestic woes, he smiled, France 24 reported.
Context
The US-Ukraine relationship has been strained ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections, according to France 24.
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