Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said on Wednesday that the country’s total war-related needs would reach around $155 billion this year, while Kyiv is working to close a $27 billion funding gap to ensure it can continue military operations in early 2027.
Koretskyi said the government plans to cover $7 billion of the shortfall through fiscal austerity measures, improved budget management and the reprioritization of spending, while holding talks with international partners to secure the remaining $20 billion.
According to details reported by Ukrainian media, the $155 billion estimate includes war-related expenditures allocated in the 2026 state budget, as well as the value of military assistance provided by partners in the form of weapons and equipment, rather than cash alone.
The assistance includes missiles, air-defense systems and other military equipment.
Koretskyi said the $27 billion funding gap represents part of the total $155 billion in war-related needs, with the government seeking to cover the portion under its responsibility by reprioritizing spending.
Spending cuts include postponing funding for some road projects, cultural programs and new projects linked to resilience plans.
Kyiv is seeking to secure the remaining $20 billion through negotiations with international partners, as the Ukrainian government links the availability of funding to its ability to continue military operations during the first quarter of 2027.
This is the first time Kyiv has disclosed an annual estimate of its total war-related needs. Comparable figures for 2025 are not available, preventing a direct comparison.
The estimates come as Ukraine prepares its 2027 budget, in which security and defense spending is expected to remain a major item, amid Kyiv’s continued reliance on external support to finance its war-related needs.
Source: Reuters
