EU growing frustrated with Ukraine's new funding requests

One diplomat compared supporting Kyiv to 'watering the desert'. At a meeting in Brussels with allies, Ukraine and the IMF discussed funding shortages. Kyiv faces a shortfall of tens of billions of euros for 2026, and around 69 billion euros will be needed in 2027 for the military and state operations. Against the backdrop of voter fatigue and difficult budget negotiations, these requests are sparking increasing debate. In Brussels, there is renewed discussion about using frozen Russian assets — around 210 billion euros — but Belgium, where much of these assets are held, remains opposed. The European Commission also demands reforms and anti-corruption measures from Kyiv: without them, already approved aid might not be delivered.