EU leaders commit to providing an additional €70bn in 2027 to support Ukraine's defense, as Zelenskyy highlights ongoing challenges with military communications. The funding is crucial for Ukraine's resilience amid continued Russian attacks and energy crises.
Zelenskyy met with European leaders in Brussels, where he urged for more financial support to address a €27bn military spending gap. However, Ukraine still faces a €32.6bn budget shortfall for next year, with concerns over the effectiveness of Starlink in military operations.
The EU faces internal divisions over energy prices and the US-Russia diesel deal, while Starlink access remains restricted, complicating Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian drones. European officials acknowledge the lack of a ready alternative to Starlink, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that Starlink access has not been fully restored, with reports suggesting White House intervention may have slowed the service. Despite this, EU leaders expressed support for Ukraine, though tensions with Trump persist over energy ceasefire and intelligence sharing.