Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges Europe to provide predictable long-term funding as the war against Russia drags on, while Brussels weighs using frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv’s defence and recovery.
Call for Steady European Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European leaders to secure long-term financial aid for Kyiv, warning that Ukraine’s war effort will depend on stable backing for the next two to three years.
Speaking Tuesday, Zelenskyy stressed that the goal was not to fight “for decades” but to maintain sustainable defences and economic stability amid Russia’s grinding offensive.
“We are not going to fight for decades,” he said. “But Europe must show that, for some time, you will be able to provide stable financial support to Ukraine. That is why they have this program in mind — two to three years.”
Frozen Russian Assets in Play
Zelenskyy’s comments come as Brussels debates plans to tap frozen Russian assets to fund both Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. EU leaders have tasked the European Commission with finalising a two-year package backed by tens of billions of euros seized from Moscow.
“If the war ends in a month, we will spend this money on recovery. If it does not end, then we will spend it on weapons. We simply have no other choice,” Zelenskyy said.
The initiative reflects growing recognition across Europe that the war could extend well into 2027, requiring predictable funding, not one-off aid rounds.
Appeal to Trump on China’s Role
Zelenskyy also urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure China’s Xi Jinping to limit Beijing’s economic and political support for Russia.
“This may be one of President Trump’s strongest moves, especially if, after this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports from Russia,” he told reporters.
Washington has already sanctioned Russian oil giants and pressed China and India to scale back purchases of Russian crude, which Kyiv argues continues to fuel Moscow’s war machine.
Battleground Update: Pokrovsk Under Threat
On the ground, Zelenskyy admitted Russian forces gained a foothold in Pokrovsk, a key city in eastern Ukraine, after months of fierce battles.
“Around 200 Russians are located there in various places — we see this from drones. Pokrovsk is currently the main target for the Russians,” he said.
As the conflict enters its fourth year, Ukraine faces mounting military pressure, dwindling ammunition, and growing urgency to secure sustainable Western support.
The Bigger Picture
Zelenskyy’s message was clear: Europe’s commitment will determine whether Ukraine can withstand Russia’s prolonged aggression. For Brussels, the coming months will test not just financial resolve — but the political will to sustain a long war on Europe’s doorstep.
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