Updated

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is struggling with an 'astronomical' shortfall in defence funding and is working with international partners on proposals to close the gap and sustain weapons production. His comments highlight mounting financial pressure on Kyiv's war effort as the conflict continues. The remarks come amid separate reports of delays in disbursing EU funds for Patriot missile purchases and ongoing negotiations over long-term EU financial support for Ukraine, underscoring persistent friction between battlefield needs and the pace of Western financial assistance.