EU seeks G7 aid for Ukraine shortfall

The European Union is asking Group of Seven partners to fund a €70 billion deficit in Ukraine’s 2027 budget. The European Commission confirmed the figure matches Kyiv’s own estimate. This amount covers military spending after the remaining weapons from the Biden administration are delivered. US President Donald Trump has halted all direct funding for the country.

A Commission forecast indicates that allies outside the EU have pledged only €4 billion for next year. That is a drop from €19 billion in 2026. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan are expected to contribute a combined €1 billion. Brussels is now planning for the possibility that NATO and G7 partners will not increase their contributions.

Commission officials are weighing several options to stabilize Ukraine’s finances. One proposal involves joint debt issuance. This idea is expected to be discussed at a summit in late November. The EU is also holding bilateral talks with London, Ottawa, and other capitals. European officials are waiting for the UK and Canadian 2027 budgets to be published, hoping for new commitments.

The EU stated it will not cover the gap alone. A Commission spokesperson noted that Europe accounts for 80% of the aid promised to Ukraine for 2027. The spokesperson said, “Europe cannot meet Ukraine's financing needs alone.” They added, “International partners must also step up, including NATO allies.”

Canada’s finance ministry spokesperson said Ottawa has committed a total of CA$27 billion to Ukraine since 2022. The official declined to predict what next week’s budget might hold. A spokesperson for the ministry said, “I won't speculate on what may or may not be included in next week's budget.”

Japan’s Foreign Ministry disputed the Commission’s conclusions. The government said it cannot make definitive statements regarding future financial support. The ministry added that Japan is considering options to address financing needs based on future developments. It noted this includes discussions among G7 members.

The funding gap extends beyond the 2027 budget. The Commission estimates that NATO’s 32 member states are €13 billion short of their pledge. The allies promised to provide €70 billion in defence support to Ukraine this year.