Zelenskiy Says EU and IMF Back Ukraine's Push to Close Budget Gap

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the European Union and the International Monetary Fund recognise the importance of helping Kyiv cover its budget deficit and defence costs, as the country presses partners for additional support.

Ukraine is seeking an extra $27 billion from allies this year for defence, arguing that the cost of the war has climbed amid intensifying long-range drone and missile exchanges with Russia, even as fighting continues along a 1,200-km front line. Kyiv has also asked to bring forward part of a loan from the European Union.

Speaking to reporters in a WhatsApp briefing, Zelenskiy said Ukraine must place orders for drones in October and November, warning of difficulties at the start of next year otherwise. He said the response from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had been positive, and that there was broad understanding that Ukraine cannot manage alone and that more investment is needed in Ukrainian-made drones and missiles.

Beyond defence, Ukraine depends on foreign assistance for social and humanitarian spending, and expects to require more than $52 billion in international financial aid next year. Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko said an IMF mission for a second review of Ukraine's financing programme is expected in November, and that Kyiv needs a plan in place by then for funding next year's budget.

Separately, one of Ukraine's largest companies, the Fozzy Group, said on Facebook that damage from Russian attacks was forcing it to cut staff across its shops and offices. It did not give figures, but said it was still recruiting for facilities restored after strikes. The company said more than 20 of its sites — distribution centres, supermarkets and production facilities — were destroyed or damaged between August 1 and September 25, adding that lost infrastructure and inventory had made operations harder and more expensive.