Ukraine seeks at least 10 years of Western funding for its army

Ukraine is seeking at least 10 years of Western funding to maintain its armed forces.

The plan is for an army of 800,000 personnel.

The request was reported by AFP, citing a senior source in Kyiv.

Ukraine wants long-term guarantees to pay for the army’s upkeep and operations.

The issue comes as the country also seeks help with energy supplies and humanitarian needs ahead of winter.

On November 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed an EU emergency aid mechanism.

The EU has said it aims to cover about two-thirds of Ukraine’s estimated €70 billion in additional financing needs, with a possible decision on its proposed €46.7 billion contribution expected in November.