President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine would be forced to sharply reduce drone production if key funding, including a reparations-based loan, does not arrive this spring, saying the cuts would undermine both Kyiv’s short-range and long-range strike capabilities.
Zelensky said financing delays would hit the production of low-cost combat drones particularly hard, reducing output several times and weakening Ukraine’s ability to sustain pressure on Russian forces.
“If in the spring Ukraine does not receive the appropriate tranche, which in the event of peace Ukraine will use to restore our state, and in the event of the continuation of the war Ukraine will use for the following priorities, primarily the production of drones, the production of drones in Ukraine will be reduced several times,” Zelensky said, referring to Ukraine’s drone programs and long-range capabilities, according to RBC-Ukraine,
He added that while Ukraine is currently using its long-range systems effectively, those efforts are closely linked to broader pressure on Russia’s energy resources, including sanctions imposed by the US and Europe.
“We are doing everything on our side to reduce Russia’s energy resources, together with the sanctions packages of our European and American partners,” Zelensky said, warning that without financing, those combined efforts would be at risk.
On Dec. 18-19, Brussels is hosting a meeting of the European Council, at which the leaders of EU member states are to decide on the form of financial support for Ukraine for 2026-2027.
The 27-nation bloc is scrambling to strengthen Kyiv’s hand as Russia’s war drags towards the four-year mark and US President Donald Trump pushes for a quick deal to end the fighting.
Officials have insisted the talks will last as long as it takes to hammer out an agreement, saying both Ukraine’s survival and Europe’s credibility are at stake.