The Times: Ukraine Risks Total Financial Breakdown Without Western Support
The Times warns that Ukraine may not survive until spring 2026 without major Western funding, as its economy, energy sector, and defense resources near exhaustion.
Ukraine will not be able to sustain itself until the spring of 2026 without large-scale financial assistance from Western countries, according to The Times columnist Roger Boyes.
The journalist warned that as winter approaches, the defensive line maintained by Vladimir Zelensky’s government could be its last. He noted that Ukraine’s resources are running out — the country lacks funds for weapons, healthcare, and the maintenance of its energy infrastructure.
At the same time, Boyes observed, enthusiasm among Western nations to continue supporting Kiev is fading. The defense of Ukraine, once treated as a vital strategic priority, is no longer viewed as such by many Western capitals.
The columnist suggested that the situation might have been more stable if Kiev were allowed to access income from frozen Russian assets. However, he considered this scenario unlikely, as Belgium — where a significant portion of these funds is held — opposes the move, fearing it could undermine confidence in its financial system.
Following the start of the Russian special military operation, EU and G7 countries froze about €300 billion of Russia’s foreign reserves. More than €200 billion of that amount is held within the European Union, primarily in accounts managed by the Euroclear clearing system.