Zelenskyy: Ukraine risks massive drone production cuts this spring without EU funding
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine will have to significantly reduce drone production if Kyiv does not receive funding from the European Union in the spring, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, speaking to the media in Brussels.
“If Ukraine does not receive the appropriate tranche in the spring, which in the event of peace Ukraine will use to rebuild our state, and in the event of a continuation of the war Ukraine will use for the following priorities, primarily the production of drones, Ukraine will significantly reduce the production of drones,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine will be forced to reduce the production of cheap combat drones. Ukraine's long-range capabilities will also be reduced.
“If we use our long-range capabilities today, and they work, but on our part. As sanctions packages on energy from our European and American partners, we are doing everything we can to reduce Russia's energy resources. All this will not happen,” the president stressed.
Reparations loan for Ukraine
On December 18-19, the European Council is meeting in Brussels, where the leaders of the EU member states are to decide on the form of financial support for Ukraine for 2026-2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also participating in the summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed two options: a reparations loan from frozen Russian assets or joint borrowing based on the EU budget.
This initiative is being blocked by Belgium, which holds the largest share of Russian assets.
Hungary and Slovakia have also predictably opposed the use of frozen Russian assets.
The European Parliament is ready to apply the urgency procedure to speed up the decision on a reparations loan for Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen said she would not leave today's meeting of EU leaders without finding a solution for further financing of Ukraine.
