Zelenskyy says allies pledge billions in new military aid for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said international partners had announced more than $2.5 billion in new military assistance for Ukraine, including funding for long-range munitions, drones and missiles, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its defences against Russia's ongoing invasion.

Zelenskyy said he discussed bilateral relations, Ukraine's European integration and regional security challenges with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a meeting in Brussels.

“I am grateful to Poland for supporting Ukraine from the very first days of the Russian invasion, and this is something that is truly important for our region and for the whole of Europe,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “Our shared interests in security and the freedom of every nation living alongside Russia must be protected.”

The Ukrainian leader also outlined the results of a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, saying partner countries had announced more than $1 billion for the PURL programme, over $500 million for the supply of long-range munitions under the Czech-led initiative, and around $1 billion for the production of Ukrainian drones and missiles.

Separately, Zelenskyy held talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev on expanding bilateral cooperation, energy security and preparations for joint projects. He said Ukraine had proposed that Bulgaria begin work on a separate agreement under the Drone Deal format.

Addressing a meeting of the European Council, Zelenskyy said €6 billion had been unblocked under the European Peace Facility and should be swiftly directed towards strengthening Ukraine's air-defence capabilities, supplying long-range munitions and protecting critical energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said Kyiv's objective remained ending the war before the onset of winter through diplomacy and increased pressure on Russia, while warning that additional support would be required if the conflict continued.

“Of course, we want to end this war before winter — through diplomacy and through pressure on Russia. But we understand who we are dealing with,” he said.

“If the war continues, we will need a winter support package. This should include an energy package — gas, diesel and the necessary energy equipment — and a missile package of at least 300 missiles for the winter. Let us prepare for this now, while at the same time maximising diplomatic efforts. We need concrete decisions.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev