The Financial Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine estimates the unmet needs of the state budget for 2026 to be between $8 and $19 billion, depending on the course of the war and its possible conclusion. This was stated by the committee’s chairman, Danilo Hetmantsev.
This is reported by Finway
Financial Uncertainty Due to War
According to Hetmantsev, even in the event of a cessation of hostilities, Ukraine cannot expect a significant reduction in defense spending in the coming years. The deputy emphasized that the country must prepare for a pessimistic scenario, and expenditures on security and defense will remain substantial at least until 2027.
“Despite the negotiations that are ongoing and will continue, we have no confidence that the war will indeed come to an end. We must proceed from a pessimistic scenario, and the cessation of hostilities will not mean any significant reduction in security and defense expenditures,” said the deputy.
Considering current needs, Ukraine must find about $70 billion in additional funding for 2026–2027. Currently, funding for 2026 is only secured for one-third, while the remaining amount, between $8 and $19 billion, remains unmet.
State Budget and External Support
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko noted that the government will formulate the draft state budget for 2026 based on the assumption that the war will last the entire year. Authorities have already intensified negotiations with international partners to cover the projected budget deficit.
According to Marchenko’s estimates, Ukraine will need $45 billion in external funding in 2026. Currently, $10 billion of this amount remains uncovered, so negotiations are ongoing with G7 countries, the European Union, and the International Monetary Fund regarding additional assistance.