Zelensky Says Most of Ukraine's Budget Deficit Tied to Weapons Funding

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said most of Ukraine's budget deficit stems from funding needed for weapons, and that Kyiv has received a constructive response from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund on addressing the shortfall, according to Ukrinform.

Zelensky's comments underscore the extent to which Ukraine's wartime finances remain dominated by defense spending, more than three and a half years into Russia's full-scale invasion.

The Ukrainian leader indicated that discussions with the EU and IMF over covering the deficit have progressed favorably, though Ukrinform's report did not detail specific figures, timelines, or the form that any additional support might take.

Ukraine has relied heavily on Western financial and military assistance throughout the war, with international partners repeatedly asked to help close funding gaps as domestic revenue remains insufficient to cover both civilian and military needs simultaneously.