Ukraine’s parliament adopts UAH 500 billion increase in defense spending

MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak announced that the bill was supported by 298 MPs. 

The draft law, No. 11417, proposes adjusting the general fund of the state budget by UAH 434.6 billion. This includes increasing expenditures on specific budget programs by UAH 500.3 billion, with UAH 495.3 billion allocated to security and defense, and reducing expenditures and loans by UAH 65.7 billion.

To cover these additional costs, the plan includes increasing general fund revenues by UAH 214.5 billion and financing debt operations with an additional UAH 220 billion.

Where will the funds be directed?

According to Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, UAH 274.4 billion of the additional defense funds allocated by the Rada will be used for payments to the military and their families. 

Umerov explained, “Of this amount, UAH 274.4 billion will go towards salaries and support for our defenders and their families. An additional UAH 76.2 billion will be spent on weapons and equipment to modernize the army and enhance its combat capabilities.”

He also noted that priority for procurement will be given to Ukrainian arms manufacturers.

• Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the army is funded entirely from domestic sources, with 60% of the state budget allocated to it.