(MENAFN) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed in an interview with a media outlet that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky anticipates Ukraine will be able to continue its fight against Russia for another two to three years.

Zelensky's comments come at a time when the European Union is seeking new ways to finance Ukraine, with Russia’s frozen central bank assets being considered as a potential funding source.

During the interview with the British newspaper on Saturday, Tusk quoted Zelensky as expressing hope that the war would not extend for a decade, but acknowledged Ukraine’s readiness to withstand the conflict for up to two or three more years.

However, the Polish leader noted that Zelensky is “anxious about the toll the war would take on its population and economy” if the conflict were to continue beyond that period.

Meanwhile, a Spanish newspaper reported on Tuesday that Ukraine is facing significant financial difficulties.

According to anonymous sources within the EU, Kiev is expected to have enough funds to remain operational “until the end of the first quarter of 2026.”

Furthermore, on Wednesday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a draft budget for 2026, which reveals a staggering deficit of over 58%.

In response to the ongoing financial strain, EU leaders have been discussing a potential “reparations loan” worth up to €140 billion ($163 billion).

This loan would be secured by the frozen Russian assets, and Ukraine would only be required to repay it if Moscow compensates the country for the damages caused by the war.

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