Ukraine’s war chest is running low at the worst possible moment

KYIV — Vladimir Putin is intensifying Russia’s pressure on Ukraine, smashing cities, factories, bridges and ports with constant waves of killer drones and missiles. Short on interceptors, Kyiv is having difficulty knocking down Russia’s increasing number of jet-powered drones — and Ukraine’s problems don’t end there. Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi warned journalists this week that Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense funding gap this year, with Kyiv hoping to cover about $7 billion domestically and looking to partners for the rest. Some EU financing remains tied to reforms Kyiv must pass to unlock the money, while other allies have yet to fill the remaining gap.