President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again appealed to European leaders for extended financial support as Ukraine braces for another two to three years of war against Russia. Speaking from Kyiv, Zelensky stressed that sustained European aid remains essential for Ukraine to continue defending its sovereignty and resisting Moscow’s ongoing military aggression.
During a recent meeting with European Union leaders, Zelensky urged the bloc to ensure long-term financial commitments, emphasizing that Ukraine’s stability — and Europe’s security — depend on steady funding. His remarks come as the EU considers unlocking tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian state assets to finance Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts.
Last week, EU leaders tasked the European Commission with exploring options to support Ukraine financially for the next two years. The proposal leaves the door open for what could be a historic move — using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort and economic recovery.
Zelensky welcomed the discussions, describing the initiative as a critical lifeline for Ukraine’s survival. “I emphasised this again to all European leaders,” he said. “I told them that we are not going to fight for decades, but you must show that for some time you will be able to provide stable financial support to Ukraine.”
According to Zelensky, the two-to-three-year plan being discussed in Brussels could provide Kyiv with the stability needed to plan its defense strategy and rebuild key infrastructure destroyed by Russian strikes. “That is why they have this program in mind – two to three years,” he explained, referring to the EU’s consideration of frozen Russian assets as a funding source.
EU Leaders Respond as Zelensky Emphasizes Urgency
The EU has frozen more than €200 billion in Russian state assets since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelensky has repeatedly advocated for redirecting those funds toward Ukraine’s defense and eventual recovery.
“If the war ends in a month, we will spend this money on recovery,” Zelensky said. “If it does not end in a month, but after some time, then we will spend it on weapons. We simply have no other choice.”
This approach aligns with Kyiv’s broader goal of holding Russia financially accountable for the destruction it has caused. European leaders have debated the legal and political complexities of seizing the frozen assets, but the growing consensus suggests that partial use of the funds — possibly through loans backed by these assets — could be feasible.
Zelensky’s remarks reflect both determination and urgency. With the war now stretching into its fourth year, Ukraine’s economy has been severely weakened, and its defense depends heavily on Western financial and military support. The Ukrainian leader’s insistence that Europe commit to multi-year funding underscores how vital stability is to Kyiv’s resistance.
In addition to calling on Europe, Zelensky has appealed to the international community, particularly the United States, to increase pressure on Russia’s allies. He specifically urged U.S. President Donald Trump to use his influence to persuade Chinese leader Xi Jinping to reduce support for Moscow.
“I think this may be one of Trump’s strong moves, especially if, following this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports from Russia,” Zelensky said during a press briefing in Kyiv.
Zelensky’s statement followed new U.S. sanctions targeting two major Russian oil companies. Washington has been working to restrict Russia’s energy exports, which provide a crucial source of funding for its war efforts. Kyiv and Washington have also encouraged China and India to cut their purchases of Russian oil and gas, arguing that doing so would weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its invasion.
Even as he pushes for more international assistance, Zelensky acknowledged the increasingly difficult situation on the front lines. Russian forces have reportedly gained a foothold in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk — a key rail hub that has been under heavy attack for months.
“About 200 Russians are located there in various places — we see this from drones,” Zelensky confirmed. “Pokrovsk is currently the main target for the Russians.”
His remarks highlight the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the immense pressure on Ukrainian forces to hold the line amid relentless Russian advances. Despite the challenges, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine’s military remains determined to defend its territory with the support of its international allies.
As the war enters another difficult phase, Zelensky continues to balance immediate military needs with long-term rebuilding efforts. His latest appeal to the EU underscores the interconnectedness of financial stability, military resilience, and post-war recovery.
The Ukrainian president remains hopeful that Europe’s decision to mobilize frozen Russian assets could mark a turning point in the conflict — one that not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense but also sets a precedent for holding aggressor states accountable.
Ultimately, Zelensky’s message to European and global leaders is clear: sustained support for Ukraine is not just an act of solidarity — it is an investment in the defense of democracy and the stability of the entire European continent.
Source- EWN
