Ukraine Approves Record Defense Budget Increase

Ukraine is increasing defense and security spending by UAH 1.56 trillion ($34.6 billion), bringing total 2026 security and defense expenditures to a record UAH 4.4 trillion ($97.6 billion), Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

Svyrydenko thanked members of parliament for supporting amendments to the 2026 state budget, saying the decision would allow Kyiv to allocate additional resources to finance the Defense Forces and protect civilians.

“Ukraine continues to focus on increasing defensive capabilities,” Svyrydenko wrote on X.

Following the amendments, total security and defense expenditures will amount to UAH 4.4 trillion ($97.6 billion). Of this, UAH 2.3 trillion ($51 billion) will be allocated for the purchase of weapons and military equipment, while more than UAH 1.45 trillion ($32.2 billion) will go toward financial support for military personnel.

Svyrydenko said the additional resources were made possible by European Union financial support totaling €90 billion ($103.9 billion), along with other support programs.

According to the prime minister, Ukraine is set to receive €45 billion ($51.9 billion) this year. Of that amount, €31.8 billion ($36.7 billion) will be allocated to support the country’s defense capability, while another €13.2 billion ($15.2 billion) will go toward budgetary support and covering the deficit.

In addition to strengthening defense capabilities, the amendments provide UAH 40 billion ($887 million) in additional funding for Integrated Resilience Plans in the regions.

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The funds will be used to protect critical infrastructure, provide communities with backup power sources, and help ensure reliable heat, water and electricity supplies amid continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system.

Ukraine has repeatedly said Russia is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, forcing Kyiv to spend heavily not only on defense, but also on protecting communities and keeping essential services running.