Ukraine authorizes 2026 budget prioritizing defense

(MENAFN) Ukraine’s parliament has passed the country’s budget for 2026, directing a significant portion of expenditures toward defense and security amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that has lasted more than three and a half years. The Verkhovna Rada approved the bill with the backing of 257 lawmakers, according to reports.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked legislators who supported the measure, stating, “This is an important signal of Ukraine's resilience and stable financial provision for next year's needs. The priorities are clear: guaranteeing our defense, social programs, and opportunities to restore life after Russian strikes.” He added that Ukraine is also coordinating with international partners to secure additional financial assistance.

Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko emphasized that the budget prioritizes defense, social support, and economic development, saying, “This budget provides funding for defense, social support, and economic development. The country directs all available resources to the main thing – the defense and defense capability of Ukraine.” Around 27.2% of GDP will be dedicated to defense and security, including weapons and military equipment purchases, with roughly $49.2 billion in external support expected from sources such as the World Bank, the EU, the United Kingdom, the IMF, and G7 countries. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that defense, security, and social stability are the budget’s main focuses, adding that Ukraine will allocate 2.8 trillion Ukrainian hryvnias ($66.4 billion) to the military, nearly 60% of all expenditures. The budget now awaits President Zelenskyy’s signature to become law.

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