Published: · Region: Eastern Europe · Category: geopolitics

Zelensky Says Ukraine Needs €115 Billion in 2027, Rejects Neutrality and Army Limits in Talks With Russia

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine needs €115 billion to cover defense and budget needs in 2027, with €70 billion still unfunded. As Kyiv weighs negotiations, he rules out neutrality and limits on the armed forces, while saying territorial issues should be discussed directly with Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine faces a large shortfall in the money it says it needs to keep the state and the war effort running in 2027, even as its leadership lays out strict conditions for any talks with Moscow.

President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will need €115 billion in 2027 to cover defense spending and budget financing. Of that amount, he says €45 billion has already been allocated but has not yet been received. Another €70 billion still needs to be found.

The gap underscores how dependent Kyiv remains on outside funding to sustain both its armed forces and basic state functions next year. The figure includes defense and broader budget needs rather than just frontline costs.

As he set out those requirements, Zelensky also described what Kyiv will and will not accept at the negotiating table. He says Ukraine will not agree to a neutral status or to limits on the size of its armed forces, calling these Kyiv’s red lines in any negotiations.

Ukraine also plans in November to demand that Russia halt strikes on energy infrastructure and shipping as part of its position in talks. Zelensky says Ukraine will demand that Russia stop attacks on energy and shipping in any negotiations and will not agree to neutrality, military limits or ceding territory.

On territory, Zelensky says Kyiv is prepared to discuss territorial issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the level of national leaders. According to him, the remaining terms of a potential settlement could be handled by technical teams.

He has also pushed back against the idea of easing pressure on Moscow in advance of a deal. Zelensky says there is no need to buy Russia’s loyalty by lifting sanctions, arguing that sanctions were imposed because of aggression and can only be lifted as part of ending the war.

How much of the €70 billion gap for 2027 is filled, and whether Russia shows any sign of accepting demands on energy strikes and shipping, will shape both Ukraine’s budget planning and the prospects for meaningful talks in the months ahead.

Sources

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