Zelensky asks EU for additional aid; von der Leyen: funding gap "must be filled"

Ukrainian President Zelensky on the 16th, at the EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium, demanded that the EU provide at least 70 billion euros in aid next year. He also stated that usage restrictions on the US "Starlink" satellite communications system are affecting the Ukrainian military's ability to intercept Russian drones, and Ukraine and the US are expected to arrange meetings at a certain level in the coming days. In his speech to EU leaders, Zelensky said that Ukraine's war-related expenditures in 2027 are expected to reach 155 billion euros, and Ukraine needs at least another 70 billion euros from the EU for defense, weapons and equipment, and strengthening national resilience. In response, European Commission President von der Leyen said the same day in Brussels that, because the Russia-Ukraine conflict is still ongoing and difficult to predict, Ukraine's 70 billion euro funding gap "must be filled." Zelensky called on the EU to introduce strong 22nd round sanctions against Russia, focusing on companies and individuals involved in the production of Russian ballistic missiles, advanced communications systems, and drones. He also criticized the "diesel agreement" between the United States and Russia, arguing that the relevant arrangement will increase Russia's revenue and provide funding for it to continue military operations.