Ukraine's Defence Ministry says it faces $27bn shortfall for 2026
Ukraine's Defence Ministry has announced a $27 billion shortfall in defence funding for 2026, with most of it expected to require external financing beyond what the state can cover domestically.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has flagged a substantial gap in the funds needed to cover the country's defence spending next year, putting the shortfall at $27 billion for 2026.
Domestic resources to cover only part of the gap
According to the ministry, part of this amount will be financed from the state's own internal resources. However, officials stressed that the bulk of the sum exceeds what Ukraine can realistically fund on its own, meaning the remainder will depend on external financing from partners.
The announcement underscores the ongoing strain between Ukraine's wartime defence needs and the financial resources available domestically, as the country's budget has for several years relied heavily on support from international partners. No specific sources or mechanisms for covering the remaining portion have been disclosed so far.
The disclosure comes as discussions continue around Ukraine's 2026 financing needs, with European Union institutions reportedly taking a different view than Ukraine on whether additional funding is required.
