Kyiv: Ukraine will require a staggering $120 billion in defense spending for the year 2026 to continue its battle against Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to a new statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The ambitious budget underscores both the severity of the conflict and the scale of international support Kyiv will seek to secure in the coming months.
Speaking via Telegram, Shmyhal outlined the financial strategy being developed by his government, which includes a call for approximately $60 billion in external military aid. The rest is expected to come from domestic resources, marking one of Ukraine’s most significant defense budget plans since the war began in February 2022. He emphasized that Ukraine is already in active negotiations with NATO member states and European Union countries to cover this immense financial need.
“The $120 billion figure reflects not just the current demands of warfare, but the necessity of ensuring long-term deterrence and modernization of our armed forces,” said Shmyhal. “We are working with our international partners to build a robust and sustainable defense framework.”
Ukraine’s announcement follows a recent decision by its parliament to approve a $9.8 billion supplementary increase to the 2025 defense budget, bringing the total military spending for this year to nearly $53.2 billion. That expansion, passed swiftly by lawmakers last week, shows Kyiv’s deepening commitment to its defense posture despite the mounting strain on the economy.
Still, the path ahead remains financially steep. Economists and defense analysts warn that maintaining such a high level of spending will require continued Western backing, especially as global donor fatigue grows and other international crises compete for attention.
The funding request will likely become a central topic at upcoming NATO and EU security summits, where allied nations will reassess long-term support frameworks for Ukraine. U.S. and European leaders have already pledged new aid packages this year, but Shmyhal’s projections suggest that Ukraine's future military needs will far outpace current commitments.
In addition to external funding, Ukraine is exploring internal fiscal reforms, including further taxation measures and economic restructuring, to support the remainder of the defense budget. Kyiv has also signaled a shift toward long-term planning for military production and strategic procurement, hoping to boost domestic defense industries.
With the war showing no signs of resolution, Ukraine’s leadership appears determined to prepare for an extended confrontation. “We cannot afford to underestimate the scale of this war,” Shmyhal said. “Peace must be secured not just by hope, but by strength.”