Zelenskiy urges use of frozen Russian assets to fill €27B funding gap

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called upon international allies to provide air-defense systems and suggested utilizing frozen Russian assets to address Ukraine’s projected €27 billion funding gap for 2026. This appeal comes amid ongoing conflict, with Ukraine seeking to bolster defenses against persistent Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskiy’s proposal reflects a broader strategy involving the European Union, which has previously leveraged interest from frozen Russian central-bank assets to support Ukraine financially. The move underscores the financial challenges Ukraine faces in sustaining its defensive and infrastructural capabilities. Key Takeaways Zelenskiy’s call for air-defense systems suggests the ongoing nature of the conflict and the critical gaps in Ukraine’s current defense capabilities. The proposal to use frozen Russian assets indicates a strategic approach to addressing Ukraine’s significant funding shortfall for 2026. Market pricing for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire by December 31, 2026, appears consistent with a decrease in perceived odds, now at 21.5% YES. What to Watch Attention will likely focus on the international community’s response to Zele...