EU Seeks More Ukraine Aid From Canada, UK as Kyiv Faces €70 Billion Funding Gap

Ukraine faces a €70 billion funding shortfall next year, prompting the European Union to seek greater financial commitments from countries outside the bloc as it struggles to cover Kyiv’s growing needs.

The issue is expected to feature in upcoming EU summits with Canada on Oct. 29-30 and the United Kingdom on Nov. 20. According to POLITICO, citing EU officials and diplomats, Brussels wants to use the meetings to encourage both countries to increase their contributions to Ukraine.

The effort comes as the EU tries to secure long-term financing for Ukraine’s defense and state operations while Russia continues its war and the future of US support remains uncertain.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last week that the EU and its member states provide 80% of Ukraine’s external aid.

“We urgently need other partners to step up,” she said.

The funding challenge follows the EU’s commitment to a €90 billion loan for Ukraine covering 2026 and 2027. The package is expected to meet roughly two-thirds of Kyiv’s financial requirements, leaving a substantial amount to be secured elsewhere.

Brussels had expected non-EU partners, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Norway, to contribute another €45 billion. But some of the anticipated funding has yet to be finalized or disbursed, POLITICO reported.

The European Commission has also been tasked with exploring ways to bridge the financing gap.

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Allies face growing pressure to contribute

The EU is seeking broader international support rather than relying increasingly on European taxpayers to cover Ukraine’s needs.

European Council President António Costa told the European Parliament on Oct. 21 that international partners must intensify their financial support for Kyiv.

European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis also raised the issue during last week’s meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Bangkok, saying Ukraine’s 2027 financing needs were a prominent topic.

He called for “broad burden sharing” among international partners as Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression.

EU officials stressed that the initiative was not intended as criticism of Canada or the UK, both longstanding supporters of Ukraine. They said the country’s financial requirements had grown and more partners would need to help cover them.

The UK says it has committed £25 billion in support for Ukraine, according to its official government figures.

Canada has pledged the equivalent of €5.4 billion in military assistance and €8.2 billion in direct financial support, according to the Canadian government’s Ukraine assistance overview.

The EU and its member states say they have contributed more than €231 billion since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

That total includes military aid, budget support, guarantees, assistance for Ukrainians living in the bloc and proceeds from immobilized Russian assets.

Funding push coincides with wider EU negotiations

The upcoming summits will also address broader economic and defense ties, giving Brussels an opportunity to discuss Ukraine alongside other priorities.

Von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the EU’s first “associate member.” Ottawa is also set to participate in the bloc’s SAFE defense procurement program, which finances joint weapons purchases and opens eligible contracts to Canadian companies.

Canada says it has committed nearly C$26 billion in military, financial, development and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Its support includes a military aid package worth $900 million, announced in July.

“Canada continues to stand by Ukraine and remains engaged with international partners on Ukraine’s needs,” Privy Council Office spokesperson Kathryn Serieux told POLITICO.

The Nov. 20 EU-UK summit is expected to advance British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s efforts to reset relations with the bloc.

London also wants British companies to qualify as European under the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, which would favor European-made goods in public procurement and industrial support.

British officials told POLITICO they were unaware of any request to link those benefits to increased aid for Ukraine.

An EU official said Ukraine was expected to feature in the summit’s joint declaration, but characterized it as recognition of both sides’ support for Kyiv rather than a demand for additional funding.

Brussels is also seeking greater contributions from Japan. One EU official described Tokyo’s 2026 support as lagging, although a person familiar with the Japanese government’s position disputed that assessment, citing around $20 billion already provided to Ukraine and saying further assistance could be considered if Kyiv requested it.

Australia said it had not received a request for additional funding for Ukraine in 2027. An Australian official suggested Canberra might be a lower priority after its leaders announced additional funding and a security agreement with Kyiv last month.

European support faces political uncertainty

The push for more international funding comes as support for Ukraine could face renewed political pressure in elections across Europe next year.

In France, Marine Le Pen has vowed to end aid to Ukraine if elected president in 2027. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces a challenge from Russia-friendly politician Roberto Vannacci ahead of next year’s election.

Combined with uncertainty over Washington’s future commitments, those political risks are encouraging European officials to look beyond their own budgets.

The Commission is also urging Ukraine to seek more contributions directly from non-EU partners.