Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European Union leaders Friday to approve nearly $80 billion in additional military and financial assistance for 2025, as he defended his leadership amid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The deterioration in Kyiv’s relationship with Washington began after Trump moved to ease sanctions on Russia, partly in exchange for fuel supplies. Zelensky renewed strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, prompting Trump to label the moves a “disgrace” and claim it was easier to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Zelensky.
“I exclusively defend the interests of Ukraine and its people,” Zelensky stated in Brussels following his meetings with EU officials.
When questioned about whether he was being used as a scapegoat for Trump’s political challenges ahead of U.S. midterm elections, Zelensky responded with a prolonged pause before smiling and saying, “This is my answer.”
The renewed conflict between Trump and Zelensky has raised concerns in Western capitals that the U.S. leader may be aligning more closely with Moscow. These fears were amplified by temporary disruptions to Starshield, a SpaceX satellite communications system vital to Ukraine’s battlefield coordination and defense capabilities.
Ukraine employs both Starshield and Starlink technologies for operational communications and limited offensive drone missions. Tech mogul Elon Musk, a vocal critic of Zelensky, denied involvement in the outage, and a senior U.S. official dismissed suggestions that Trump had ordered interference.
Zelensky acknowledged partial restoration of the system, noting, “Has the speed been fully restored to pre-interruption levels? Not entirely. Is it being restored now? Yes.”
In a firm appeal to European unity, Zelensky asserted that most Americans continue to support Ukraine’s struggle, adding, “In the end, the American people will make their voice heard.”
The $70 Billion Challenge
As transatlantic ties remain fragile, European leaders rallied behind Zelensky during discussions in Brussels.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized, “There is no time to reduce support for Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia should not be lifted. Instead, we must amplify our support and apply greater pressure.”
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the current situation as “truly dire,” pointing to intensified Russian assaults and fraying relations with the United States. He urged, “Europe must show unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and consider further measures.”
To maintain momentum in the war effort, Zelensky formally requested that the EU increase defense aid—specifically Patriot air defense systems—and allocate an additional €70 billion ($79 billion) in funding for the coming year.
“This request is realistic. We need this support to contain Russian aggression,” he said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the €70 billion figure is under active review and asked member states to enhance contributions. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged analysis of the proposal, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that final decisions would be made by year-end.
Macron also highlighted ongoing collaboration, stating, “Europe continues to bolster Ukraine’s defenses through satellite intelligence and early-warning technologies essential for national security.”
Recourse to Frozen Assets
Currently, the EU is disbursing funds from a previously approved €90 billion aid package slated to extend through late 2027. However, Ukrainian officials warn of a looming fiscal crisis due to sustained Russian bombardments targeting critical infrastructure and economic hubs.
The push for renewed financing has reignited debate over accessing approximately €200 billion in immobilized Russian central bank reserves held overseas. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kariņš reiterated calls for action, stating, “These frozen assets belong to us—they should be redirected to support Ukraine.”
Despite growing advocacy, progress remains limited. Belgium, home to much of the capital, continues to oppose such a move, citing legal uncertainties and potential financial risks.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)