Ukrainian Parliament backs war-ready budget as Russia threat looms

Ukraine’s Parliament approved the state budget for 2026, planning to allocate nearly a third of the country’s gross domestic product to defence as the war with Russia continues.

The budget passed with the support of 257 lawmakers despite opposition criticism, reflecting Parliament’s determination to maintain unity at a critical juncture, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the approval as a strong signal of national resilience. “This is an important signal of Ukraine's resilience and securing a stable financial provision for the next year's needs,” he said. “The priorities are clear: ensuring our defence, social programmes, and the ability to rebuild our lives after Russia's attacks.”

The budget vote comes amid a political crisis following an investigation into alleged corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector. Analysts viewed the vote as a litmus test for Parliament’s ability to enact key legislation during the ongoing conflict. Opposition deputies protested, demanding higher salaries for soldiers and increased social spending, shouting “Shame” as the vote proceeded.

Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko highlighted the allocation of resources: “About 27.2% of GDP will be channelled to the army and weapons production and purchases.” The focus on defence comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war have so far produced no tangible results, prompting Kyiv to increase domestic weapons production to maintain its frontlines against a larger and better-equipped adversary.

The approved 2026 budget projects a deficit of 18.5% of GDP, with external financing identified as a key challenge. Marchenko noted that Ukraine would require over $45 billion in international support next year. Kyiv is pursuing a reparations loan from European partners using frozen Russian assets, while also working to secure a new lending program with the International Monetary Fund.

Total revenues for 2026 are planned at UAH 2.92 trillion ($68.9 billion), an increase of nearly UAH 415 billion compared with 2025, while expenditures are projected at UAH 4.84 trillion, up by UAH 134.5 billion. Nearly 60% of spending will go to defence, including salaries for soldiers and the procurement of weapons, underlining Ukraine’s strategic priority of sustaining its military capabilities while continuing essential social programs.

By Vafa Guliyeva