Brussels, 16 Oct. (LaPresse) – “Next year, the war will cost 155 billion euros. And we need at least a further 70 billion euros from you: for defence, for weapons and for our resilience. This is a realistic figure. I ask you to provide this support; it will help us contain Russia.” This is what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address to leaders at the European Council. “There are some very simple facts. Thanks to drones,” he added, “we are able to stop most Russian attacks along the front line. With this technology, we are cutting off Russian supply lines. Furthermore, our drones are helping to weaken Russia’s economy. At present, we could produce two to three times as many drones – depending on the type. But, quite simply, we do not have enough funds to do so. That is the reality. Imagine what would happen if we could exert two or three times as much pressure on Russia as we do now.”
Ukraine: Zelensky to EU leaders: “We need at least 70 billion by 2027”
Brussels, 16 Oct. (LaPresse) – “Next year, the war will cost 155 billion euros. And we need at least a further 70 billion euros from you: for defence, for weapons and for our resilience. This is a realistic figure. I ask you to provide this support; it will help us contain Russia.” This is what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address to leaders at the European Council. “There are some very simple facts. Thanks to drones,” he added, “we are able to stop most Russian attacks along the front line. With this technology, we are cutting off Russian supply lines. Furthermore, our drones are helping to weaken Russia’s economy. At present, we could produce two to three times as many drones – depending on the type. But, quite simply, we do not have enough funds to do so. That is the reality. Imagine what would happen if we could exert two or three times as much pressure on Russia as we do now.”