Zelensky Visits Brussels to Ask EU for Financial Help
Listen to the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Brussels this week to meet with European Union leaders. He went there to ask for more financial aid for his country.
Zelensky told the EU that the war with Russia could cost 155 billion euros in 2027. He asked the EU to provide 70 billion euros of that amount. Ukraine has been fighting Russia for several years and needs money to continue.
He thanked the EU for its fundamental support. This means help that is very necessary and important. Zelensky also warned that Ukraine must prepare for the coming winter, which is often a difficult time during the war.
The news report also mentioned tension between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Kiev. The summary says Trump has had a falling-out with Ukraine's government, though no further details were given.
Ukraine relies heavily on international allies like the EU for both military and financial support. Without this outside help, it would be very difficult for Ukraine to keep fighting the war.
The meeting in Brussels shows how important European financial support remains for Ukraine. Zelensky continues to travel to different countries to ask for more assistance as the war continues into its fourth year.
Vocabulary10 words
- European Union
- a group of European countries that work together
- fundamental
- very important or necessary
- winter
- the coldest season of the year
- falling-out
- a disagreement between people or groups
- allies
- countries that help and support each other
- assistance
- help given to someone who needs it
- financial aid
- money given to help someone pay for something
- billion
- a thousand million
- summary
- a short version of information
- tension
- a difficult or unfriendly situation between people
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. To ask the EU for financial aid 2. 155 billion euros 3. Winter
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to _____ this week to meet with European Union leaders. He went there to ask for more financial _____ for his country.
Zelensky told the EU that the war with Russia could cost 155 _____ euros in 2027. He asked the EU to provide 70 billion _____ of that amount.
He thanked the EU for its _____ support. This means help that is very necessary and important. Zelensky also warned that Ukraine must prepare for the coming _____.
The news report also mentioned _____ between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Kiev.
Ukraine relies heavily on international _____ like the EU for both military and financial support.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Ukraine needs so much financial support from the EU?
- What challenges might Ukraine face during winter because of the war?
- Why is international support important for countries at war?
- What questions would you ask Zelensky if you could speak with him?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
