German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discusses increasing support for Ukraine at EU summit

During the European Union summit in Brussels on October 15-16, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for increased financial support for Ukraine to address a growing budget deficit for 2027. While current military and economic aid for 2026 is secured, officials stated that the existing 90-billion-euro loan package for 2026-2027 is insufficient. EU leaders are exploring new funding mechanisms, including the potential use of 210 billion euros in frozen Russian Central Bank assets, though Merz clarified these assets will remain in Europe and ruled out their transfer to the United States.

Chancellor Merz also expressed support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy and telecommunications infrastructure, labeling them a justified response to Moscow's escalation. Attending the summit alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Chancellor acknowledged diverging interests between the U.S. and Europe, noting that Washington pursues its own economic objectives in the region amid current geopolitical uncertainties. Discussions regarding the funding shortfall are ongoing, and while initial talks have begun among the 27 EU heads of state, no formal decisions were expected during this summit session.