Ukrainian Parliament approves draft state budget for 2025 with record defense spending

MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak and Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal announced this.

The draft law was voted in favor by 257 MPs, 35 MPs opposed it, and 12 abstained.

According to Zheleznyak, the draft law provides for record spending of UAH 3.94 trillion. Of these, defense spending is UAH 2.22 trillion. Revenues are expected to reach UAH 2.3 trillion.

Also, according to the MP, external financing is expected to reach $38.4 billion next year.

Shmyhal noted that all taxes of citizens and businesses next year will be used for the defense and security of Ukraine.

"The total resource to be allocated to the security and defense sector will amount to UAH 2.23 trillion. Record funds will be allocated for the production and purchase of weapons. UAH 739 billion has been allocated for this purpose. There will be more funding for the modernization of our defense industry, as well as for the purchase of drones," the Prime Minister wrote.

According to him, the second priority of the budget is to support citizens. Pensions are scheduled to be indexed in March. In total, almost UAH 421 billion is allocated for social assistance programs.

Spending on education will amount to almost UAH 199 billion, and on healthcare - UAH 217 billion. Shmyhal noted that modernization and development projects are planned in both areas.

UAH 10.7 billion is allocated to upgrade medical facilities, purchase modern equipment and create rehabilitation centers. An additional UAH 17.5 billion has been allocated for the modernization of educational institutions and the construction of shelters.

"We continue to support regions and communities. In 2025, local budget resources will increase by 15%. Given the limited resources, this budget clearly defines priorities. Defense, security, support for people, development and restoration of the country. These are all things that make us stronger and lead to victory," the Prime Minister summed up.

About Ukraine's state budget for 2025

On 13 September, the Government approved the draft state budget for 2025. It was expected that state budget revenues in 2025 would amount to UAH 2 trillion, while expenditures would be UAH 3.6 trillion.

On 28 October, the Parliament's Budget Committee recommended the draft state budget for 2025 and the draft Budget Conclusions for the first reading. On October 30, the Verkhovna Rada supported an amendment that cancels a UAH 3 billion salary increase for prosecutors in 2025.

On October 31, the Verkhovna Rada voted in the first reading for the draft State Budget for 2025. At a meeting on 8 November, the government approved the draft for the second reading.