Ukraine asks Western allies for $20 billion in new military aid

Ukraine is preparing to request an additional $20 billion in military assistance from its Western partners at an upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 countries supporting Kyiv. The funding drive aims to bolster Ukraine’s drone programme, allowing expanded strikes on Russian logistics hubs, supply lines and rear‑area facilities.

The appeal comes as Kyiv relies increasingly on domestically produced drones to offset Russian advantages in manpower and conventional weaponry. Western states, led by the United States and European allies, have already supplied tens of billions of dollars in aid since the invasion began in February 2022. Ukraine hopes each contributor will provide between $2 billion and $6 billion, via aid packages or loans, to sustain and intensify its offensive operations.

Ukrainian officials say recent medium‑range drone attacks have slowed Russian advances in several sectors, contributing to a stalemate as the war enters its fifth year without a near‑term settlement. The new aid request is intended to maintain pressure on Russian forces and secure longer‑term support from the international community.