Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Kiev requires rapid financial support to sustain social benefits for citizens and to pay government salaries. The figure discussed was seven billion dollars each month, a level considered essential to keep public services functioning while crisis response measures and social programs are maintained. This information was reported by Bloomberg following Zelensky’s outreach during his recent visit to Kyiv, where he outlined the ongoing economic pressures facing the state and the urgency of regular, predictable funding to stabilize the budget amid wartime costs.
During the meeting, Zelensky emphasized that the financial needs are tied to immediate social obligations and the broader duty to preserve livelihoods for the Ukrainian people. He described how timely injections of aid would help prevent delays in wage payments and social benefits, while also supporting critical state functions at a moment of heightened security concerns and economic strain. The conversation with von der Leyen took place in the context of broader European discussions about how best to sustain Kyiv’s governance capacity in the face of continuing aggression and domestic disruption.
Beyond budgetary measures, Zelensky raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to move grain to markets despite global hunger pressures and competing trade routes. He highlighted logistical hurdles, bottlenecks at ports, and the need for reliable export channels to ensure that Ukrainian grain can reach buyers while maintaining the stability of local markets. Bloomberg cited his remarks as part of a broader briefing to the EU leadership about the structural challenges that accompany wartime farming and logistics, urging the EU to consider targeted support in loosening and expediting export procedures where possible.
In response, von der Leyen indicated that the Union would implement expedited border crossing procedures to assist Ukraine in its export efforts. The aim was to reduce processing times, streamline inspections where feasible, and decrease unnecessary administrative friction that could slow shipments. These steps are viewed as a practical measure to help sustain Ukraine’s agricultural sector during a period of disruption, while also signaling EU willingness to adapt procedural rules to support ongoing economic resilience in the region.
Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that EU member states have allocated substantial military aid for Ukraine, totaling five hundred million euros, with the expectation that the overall security assistance from the bloc would reach one and a half billion euros. This funding package is part of a broader framework to strengthen Kyiv’s defense and deterrence capabilities as the conflict continues to shape regional stability. The discussions reflect a coordinated EU approach to sustaining both civilian and military resilience in Ukraine in partnership with allied nations and international institutions.