Ukraine's new defence minister Yevhenii Khmara has pledged to present partners with a 'clear vision' for how Kyiv plans to fight Russia with more resources, as reported by Business Standard. The strategy focuses on bringing forward part of a €45 billion loan planned for next year to help address Ukraine's $27 billion military budget deficit. According to Khmara's comments to reporters released on Sunday, Ukraine will seek to accelerate funding through both bringing forward portions of the planned loan and lobbying allies for greater contributions from new countries that have not yet provided support.
The Ukrainian government relies heavily on foreign funds to continue its war effort, now in its fifth year, with the EU committing €90 billion in financing through 2027, as reported by Business Standard. The EU has earmarked €45 billion each for 2026 and 2027, allowing Ukraine to channel record funds toward defence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Kyiv had spent more than expected in the first half of the year, highlighting the significant financial burden of the ongoing conflict.
Khmara took over as defence minister last month from Mykhailo Fedorov, whose dismissal sparked rare wartime protests, according to Business Standard. The new defence minister emphasized that Ukraine will present partners with a comprehensive plan detailing what tasks the Defence Forces face, what projects are needed, what results must be achieved, and within what timeframes. This strategic approach aims to demonstrate the military's specific requirements and timeline for resource allocation to potential donors.
