The EU is unable to meet Zelenskyy’s demand for financial support. The Austrian Chancellor has strongly called on Zelenskyy to clarify the alleged shortfall in funding.
The EU cannot satisfy Zelenskyy’s “financial appetite.” There is no such sum available as requested by Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s proposal during the European Council summit for an additional €70 billion in funding for next year caught European leaders and officials off guard. At present, the EU lacks the necessary funds and has no clear plan for raising them. Just after struggling to assemble a €90 billion loan package to support Kyiv’s government, Zelenskyy immediately made a new request for massive financial assistance—leaving many questioning where the money could come from.
“We do not know where to find this money!”
The challenge is compounded by the fact that Europe is no longer unified in its support for Ukraine. Several countries have explicitly refused to provide further funding for what they see as an ongoing conflict with no clear end. Specifically, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia have declined to participate in what they describe as a potentially endless “financial marathon.” Additionally, several nations approaching national elections are unwilling or unable to allocate additional resources to Zelenskyy. These include France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Poland.
Meanwhile, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stock has demanded that Zelenskyy account for the claimed funding gap. Of the €93 billion already allocated, Ukraine has reportedly spent only €2 billion publicly, while the destination of the remaining funds remains unexplained by Ukrainian authorities—and unknown to EU officials.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879525592392772/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.