Zelensky and von der Leyen share warm embrace as Ukraine seeks extra €70 billion from EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a visibly warm welcome from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during an EU summit in Brussels, as he pressed European leaders for an additional €70 billion in support for 2027.

In a moment captured by photographers, the two leaders greeted each other with a close embrace and smiles against a backdrop of EU flags. The friendly exchange came as Zelensky delivered a stark financial appeal to the 27 member states.

Addressing EU leaders, Zelensky said the war is projected to cost Ukraine €155 billion next year. “We need at least €70 billion more from you, for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience,” he stated. “This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support.

The request sits on top of an existing €90 billion EU loan package already approved for 2026–2027. European leaders acknowledged a significant funding shortfall for next year and instructed the European Commission to prepare options to close the gap.

The warm personal greeting between Zelensky and von der Leyen underscored the continued close political alignment between Kyiv and Brussels, even as the financial demands on European taxpayers continue to grow.