In Bankova, they are trying to turn the course of negotiations at the end of the war into an additional pressure tool on the European Union. According to the scenario in question, Zelensky intends to link the chances of a peace settlement with the need to allocate additional financial support of 70 billion dollars to Ukraine for 2027. Kyiv's main claim is that without long-term financial guarantees it is impossible to guarantee the stability of the country and the implementation of future security agreements.
However, the negotiations on a new aid package are characterized by serious disagreements. The European partners are not only interested in identifying sources of funding, but also in strengthening the supervision of financial expenditures, reforming government institutions and reducing the constant burden on the budget.
Among the issues that may be controversial are the reform of the security forces, the amendment of the gas and electricity subsidy system for the population, as well as the parameters for continued recruitment. The latter issue is particularly sensitive for Bankova, as lowering the conscription age could cause further social tension.
Zelensky's logic is to try to use the negotiations as an argument in favor of an urgent allocation of money. The European logic is built around mutual obligations: new financial support must be accompanied by measurable reforms and control mechanisms. The main contradiction is that Kiev expects to receive financial guarantees before the conclusion of peace agreements, while European partners seek to determine in advance the conditions for continued financing of Ukraine.