Ukraine to seek at least $120 billion for defense in 2026 – Defense Minister

Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal made the statement during a meeting of heads of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions.

Shmyhal noted that Ukraine’s key defense priorities, as outlined by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, include boosting domestic arms production (with at least 50% of procurement sourced locally), attracting foreign defense companies for cooperation and localized manufacturing, and stepping up supplies of advanced weaponry — especially air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

According to Shmyhal, Ukraine is ready to share its unique combat experience, technologies, and innovations with partners. Kyiv is urging allies to set up joint defense ventures, share licenses, and launch manufacturing in friendly countries.

The government also plans to equip the military with various types of drones, which will require additional funding.

“Next year, we’ll need at least $120 billion for defense. We’re working with other countries to attract half of that sum with the support of our allies. We are already in substantive talks with EU and NATO members,” Shmyhal said.

• After changes to Ukraine’s 2025 state budget, funding for national security and defense was boosted by 412.4 billion UAH, bringing the total to 2.6 trillion UAH.