Kyiv to Seek $20bn From Allies

Ukraine is reportedly preparing to ask allies for an additional $20bn in military funding next week, arguing that it has gained a more favorable position on the battlefield and wants to sustain it.

The request is expected to be raised at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Group, which brings together more than 50 countries coordinating military and financial support for Kyiv.

According to a Ukrainian defense ministry source, there is a six to nine-month window in which funding needs to be accelerated significantly.

Ukraine says Russian advances have slowed this year and virtually halted last month, partly because of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian logistics, supply lines and energy infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Russian troops were continuing to advance and that the country’s economy was not under threat, although he acknowledged damage caused by Ukrainian attacks.

Under the proposal, some allies could contribute between $2bn and $6bn in aid or loans.

(reuters, bak)