Ukraine is seeking earlier access to part of a €45 billion European Union loan planned for next year, larger allied contributions and support from countries that have not yet provided assistance, as it faces a $27 billion military budget deficit in the fifth year of its war with Russia. New Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said Kyiv would present partners with a detailed plan for using additional resources, including expanded long-range drone strikes and measures to address shortages of manpower and air defences. Separately, former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is seeking U.S. investment for a defence technology fund and Western capital to build and manage weapons development companies, without disclosing whether he would benefit financially or detailing his oversight role.