Ukraine is short of €23 billion for defense due to delays in Western aid
Funds are needed for armaments, air defense, payments to the military, and securing supplies in early 2027
Ukraine has faced a shortfall of €23 billion to fund its defense due to delays in support from Western partners. This was reported by Politico.
The funds are needed to purchase weapons and air-defense systems, pay soldiers’ salaries, support the families of the deceased, and to ensure supplies at the beginning of 2027.
The deficit arose after Ukraine tapped funds intended for the second half of the year early. The situation was also affected by a delay in the European Union‘s €90 billion loan, which was blocked earlier in the year by Hungary.
Part of the funding was directed toward fiber-optic drones, medium-range strike drones and interceptors. The new shortfall comes in addition to €30 billion that Europe has already pledged to provide Ukraine as part of the same loan package.
On 24 August the European Commission partially granted Kyiv’s request, approving €6.1 billion for new defense purchases. The latest tranche is intended to buy air-defense missiles, ammunition and radar stations — critically important for Ukraine’s needs.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine needs between €6.8 billion and €8.5 billion to properly start the next year. These funds are to cover payments for weaponry and supplies for January 2027.
Another roughly €17 billion is needed to pay soldiers’ salaries, assist families of the deceased and cover other expenses. The publication stresses that funding is needed in advance — for uninterrupted supplies and stability of the defense sector.
Military spending and aid to Ukraine will also be discussed at the NATO summit. It is expected to involve support worth $70 billion.
