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Zelenskyy Highlights $120B Defense Need, Declares Ukraine Security Means Europe’s Security
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
On September 17, during a joint briefing with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion annually to continue its defense against Russia.
“The price of this war, at this stage, is $120 billion per year,” Zelenskyy said. “Out of this, $60 billion is covered by Ukraine’s budget, and we need to secure another $60 billion for next year. I hope we will finish this war.”
Zelenskyy presented Ukraine with two options: either end the war or secure the necessary funds to continue the defense.
“This is a monumental challenge,” he acknowledged. He clarified that such a large sum would not be needed in peacetime or if reliable security guarantees were in place, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “That’s why we talk so much about money,” he noted.
Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of Ukraine’s defense in the broader context of Europe’s security.
“Ukraine’s defense is Europe’s defense, and helping Ukraine is helping Europe,” he remarked. “Russia has always treated a united Europe with contempt. Russia never believed that Europe could be strong. Over these years, together with the entire team of Europe and many European leaders, we’ve proven that Russia was completely wrong in its attitude towards Europe and Europeans.”
He further highlighted Ukraine’s contribution to Europe’s unity and global influence: “Ukraine only adds unity, strength, and influence to Europe’s role in global affairs.”
Zelenskyy also addressed the shifting international dynamics, particularly between Europe and the US, and called for Europe to assert itself as a global actor.
“Europe must remain a global defender of freedom and human rights. We will ensure this, together,” he said.
Previously, it was reported that EU is drawing up plans to channel frozen Russian assets into Ukraine through a new system of “reparation loans,” worth as much as $180 billion.
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