Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, 16 October demanded at least €70 billion (approximately $78.8 billion) in additional European Union support for 2027, warning that Ukraine's war-related costs would reach €155 billion next year. Addressing EU heads of government at a summit in Brussels, Zelensky appealed for funding across defence, weapons, and national resilience — even as he voiced sharp frustration over Washington's recent conduct toward both Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelensky's Appeal to EU Leaders

'We need at least 70 billion euros more from you — for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience. This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support,' Zelensky told the assembled EU leaders. The appeal reflects a deepening Ukrainian calculation that European backing must compensate for what Kyiv views as an increasingly unreliable US posture.

Starlink Restrictions: A 'Dangerous Surprise'

At a subsequent press conference, Zelensky acknowledged Ukraine's significant operational dependence on the US-controlled Starlink satellite communications network. He said recent speed restrictions — reportedly imposed without advance notice to Kyiv — had disrupted drone interception operations and military logistics. 'Starlink was not turned off, but the speed limits were lowered,' he said, calling the development a 'very dangerous and unpleasant surprise.' The incident has intensified debate inside Ukraine and among its European allies about the risks of depending on privately controlled infrastructure for frontline communications.

Ukraine's Frustration Over US-Russia Dealings

Zelensky also criticised Washington's recent diesel supply agreement with Moscow and the easing of certain sanctions, stating that Ukraine had not been informed in advance. He added, however, that Ukrainian and American negotiating teams remained in contact. Separately, Zelensky told British media that Ukraine would resume strikes on Russia's oil refineries, describing recent US moves as a betrayal of Kyiv. 'The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We're done,' he said in an interview with the Financial Times, arguing that Ukraine had paused energy strikes for three days to comply with a US-announced 'energy ceasefire,' while Moscow continued to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Trump's Contrasting Position

US President Donald Trump last week declared that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate 'energy ceasefire' — an assertion that Ukrainian officials and European observers have questioned given alleged continued Russian strikes. Trump had also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin was more willing to negotiate than Zelensky. 'I think, actually, Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky,' Trump told reporters at the White House. The remarks have drawn criticism from Kyiv and some European capitals, who argue that framing places undue moral equivalence between the aggressor and the defender.

What This Means Going Forward

The Brussels summit underlines an accelerating divergence between the US and EU approaches to the Ukraine conflict. European capitals are under pressure to step up both financial and military commitments as American support grows more conditional. Zelensky's public venting — unusual in its directness against a key ally — signals Kyiv's growing urgency as battlefield conditions and diplomatic dynamics shift heading into 2027 planning cycles.