Ukraine is facing renewed pressure from Brussels to push ahead with rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms as Kyiv seeks additional European support to cover a multibillion-dollar defense funding shortfall. EU officials want Ukraine to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption institutions, improve oversight of public spending and continue reforms linked to its path toward EU membership. Brussels has repeatedly tied parts of its financial assistance to progress under Ukraine’s reform agenda. The scrutiny comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s Defense Ministry faces a $27 billion funding gap. European officials have sought details from Kyiv on how the shortfall emerged and where additional resources are most urgently needed. The pressure comes as Ukraine continues to finance its defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion while maintaining government spending and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. Some immediate relief is now on the way. EU member states have agreed to unlock €6.6 billion in military support from the European Peace Facility, after funds previously blocked by Hungary were released following a change of government in Budapest.
