Zelenskyy Seeks $80 Billion EU Aid as Trump Rift and Starlink Disruptions Deepen

3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Oct 16

$80 billion is what Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked EU leaders to provide next year, saying Ukraine must prepare for a hard winter and needs Europe to help hold Russia back.
Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy, a U.S. diesel deal with Russia on October 12 and diverted U.S.-built missiles have sharpened Kyiv's sense that Washington is no longer prioritizing Ukraine.
Starlink and Starshield disruptions have also hurt battlefield communications and air defense; Zelenskyy said service has improved but not fully recovered, while Kaja Kallas said Europe cannot replace the capability quickly.
The EU gave Ukraine about $100 billion last year and remains its biggest international backer, but Zelenskyy left Brussels without firm new numbers despite fresh political pledges.
Antonio Costa asked the European Commission to draft a 2027 funding proposal, underscoring that Europe may try to fill gaps as Ukraine's war costs rise and tax revenues fall.