European Commission denies claim of 27-billion-euro shortfall in Ukraine funding

The European Commission has rejected statements from Kyiv alleging a 27-billion-euro shortfall in funding for Ukraine, with a Commission spokeswoman saying no such financial gap exists.

European Commission Spokeswoman Paula Pinho addressed the claims in a statement, pushing back on the figure that had been cited in connection with Ukraine's financing needs. The dispute touches on broader discussions within the European Union over how to continue supporting Kyiv financially, including debate over the use of immobilised Russian state assets held in European jurisdictions.

EU member states have been negotiating mechanisms to channel funds to Ukraine, with proposals including a loan backed by frozen Russian assets drawing both support and objections from different capitals. Hungary has been among the states voicing reservations about aspects of the EU's approach to using Russian assets, while other member states have pushed for faster movement on financing packages.

The disagreement over the specific shortfall figure reflects the wider complexity of EU-Ukraine financial arrangements, which involve multiple funding streams, including bilateral contributions from member states, EU budget instruments, and proposals tied to frozen Russian assets whose legal status remains disputed by Moscow.

The Commission has not detailed further the basis for Kyiv's original figure or offered its own alternative estimate of outstanding financing needs.