Rada increases defense spending by UAH 1.6 trillion

The Verkhovna Rada has made amendments to the state budget for 2026, in particular, increasing spending on security and defense by UAH 1.56 trillion.

A total of 242 MPs voted for the relevant bill No. 15224, with the minimum required 226, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

State budget expenditures have increased mainly due to the EUR 90 billion loan agreed by the European Union for 2026-2027, of which EUR 45 billion are expected this year.

Overall, state budget revenues for 2026 increased by more than UAH 2.3 trillion to UAH 5,196 billion, the budget deficit decreased by UAH 651.5 billion - from 18.5% to 12.1% of GDP (a reduction of 6.4%).

An additional UAH 1.56 trillion are provided for the security and defense sector (after the increase, the total resource for defense and security will be UAH 4.4 trillion), of which:

UAH 174.3 billion (up to UAH 1,454 billion) - for cash support for military personnel;

UAH 1.4 trillion (up to UAH 2,297 billion) - for armaments and military equipment;

UAH 14.6 billion (up to UAH 213.6 billion) - a reserve for the security and defense sector.

In addition, it is provided for:

- transfer of military levy from June 01, 2026 to a special fund of the state budget and its allocation to cash support for military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

- revenues from export duties on military and dual-use goods, after its introduction, will be directed to the purchase and modernization of weapons, the development of the defense-industrial complex, the introduction of new technologies and cash support for the military.

In addition, UAH 40 billion are provided for the implementation of comprehensive resilience plans for regions and communities, these are resources for preparing for the autumn-winter period, protecting the energy sector and ensuring the stable operation of critical infrastructure.

An additional UAH 37.2 billion were also allocated to the state budget reserve fund; these funds will be used to finance unforeseen measures under martial law conditions - in particular, to eliminate the consequences of emergencies caused by armed aggression.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in April, the European Union approved a support package for Ukraine worth EUR 90 billion for two years, the first tranche is expected in June.