Ukraine needs Europe’s support to sustain war effort for next 2–3 years, Zelenskyy says
The Ukrainian leader urges Europe to ensure long-term financial backing as Brussels weighs plans to tap frozen Russian assets, while acknowledging new Russian gains in the east.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kiev will need continued European financial support to keep fighting Russia for another two to three years, urging the EU to ensure stable funding amid a grinding war that shows no sign of ending soon.
Speaking on Tuesday in remarks released by his office, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was not seeking to wage a decades-long war but required “predictable, long-term” assistance to sustain its defences and economy.
“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.”
The Ukrainian leader was referring to plans in Brussels to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort and reconstruction.
EU leaders last week tasked the European Commission with finalising proposals for a two-year support package that could include a large loan backed by tens of billions of euros seized from Russia.
Zelenskyy said the funds would be used either for rebuilding or defence, depending on how the conflict unfolds.
“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,” he said.
Calls on Trump to prevent Chinese support for Russia
Zelenskyy also called on US President Donald Trump to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping to reduce Beijing’s economic and political support for Moscow during their expected meeting later this week.
“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 recently imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil companies and urged China and India — key buyers of Russian crude — to scale back purchases that Kiev and its allies say fund Moscow’s war.
Russian advance on the ground
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy acknowledged growing pressure on the front lines, saying Russian forces had gained a foothold in the eastern city of Pokrovsk after months of heavy fighting.
“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.
The comments come as the war enters its fourth year, with both sides suffering heavy losses and no immediate prospects for peace.