Ukraine expects 30 billion euros from the European Union (EU) to finance its defense.
This is what President Volodymyr Zelensky said to reporters in Kiev.
“They are needed for the defense of the entire country. Today the defense budget has a gap of about 23 billion euros. The money is needed for the salaries of soldiers, for compensation to the families of the fallen and for other expenses. In addition, Ukraine also needs money for the production of drones. A considerable amount is required. I am working with the French and Germans on this issue,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky announces progress on the ground
At the same time, the president pointed out the successes on the front.
According to him, since the beginning of the year, the armed forces have recaptured 820 square kilometers. The Dnipropetrovsk region is now almost completely under Ukrainian control. Only about ten square kilometers with three settlements are still outside the full control of Kiev.
Zelensky also acknowledged that Russia has occupied about 990 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since the beginning of the year.
He believes that Ukrainian troops will retake other areas by the end of the year.
He again ruled out a voluntary surrender of Donbas. Moscow had demanded a withdrawal from this eastern region as a condition for a ceasefire.
Warning about elections during war
Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov was dismissed in July and called for elections during the war.
Zelensky harshly rejected this request. “Elections at this time would be like a tsunami for the state and would divide Ukraine.”
“Therefore, my strategy is to lead the country until the end of the war and maintain an independent and sovereign state,” he declared.
About a month after leaving, Fedorov called for a “legal, secure and realistic mechanism” for elections to be found, despite the Russian occupation.
“Democracy should not be held hostage by Russia,” the 35-year-old said in a video message. However, he did not present a concrete plan.
Millions of people would find it difficult to vote
An election during wartime raises practical problems. How will soldiers at the front, millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad, and people in areas occupied by Russia vote? Added to this is the risk of Russian disinformation.
Zelensky said that so far no one has explained how safe elections can be organized under these conditions.
Martial law has been in effect since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. It has kept elections on hold. Zelensky’s regular term as president ends in May 2024. The International Institute of Sociology in Kiev conducted a poll in July and August. Only 15 percent of respondents supported elections before the end of the war.
Fedorov was dismissed on July 15 during a government reshuffle after just six months in office. His departure sparked days of protests. Thousands of people took to the streets in Kiev alone. Some of his supporters later distanced themselves from his election bid.
“Coalition of Volunteers” discusses further assistance
The “Coalition of the Willing” (the group of countries that militarily support Ukraine) is meeting again on Monday. The meeting falls on Ukraine’s Independence Day. It is chaired by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Zelensky is also attending.
The talks will focus on strengthening support for Ukraine and continuing work on security guarantees. These should help ensure a lasting peace in the event of a ceasefire. / DW /