On Wednesday, June 10, a significant event took place in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that will define the country's financial strategy for the coming years. Deputies voted to adopt draft law No. 15224, which introduces major changes to the state budget for 2026. The document focuses primarily on the security and defense sector.

242 People's Deputies voted in favor of adopting the amendments. This decision, confirmed by the parliament's press service and Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, is a response to current challenges and the need to modernize the armed forces.

Record funding and sources of funds

The adopted document provides for a colossal increase in defense spending — by 1.56 trillion UAH. After these changes, total expenditure on the security and defense sector will reach a historic high of 4.4 trillion UAH.

The key source of such massive funding will be financial assistance from the European Union under the Ukraine Support Loan program. Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko emphasized that additional resources became possible thanks to EU support totaling 90 billion euros.

According to plans, Ukraine will receive 45 billion euros already this year. From this amount:

  • 31.8 billion euros are allocated to strengthen the country's defense capabilities;
  • 13.2 billion euros are directed to budgetary support and covering the state budget deficit.

Where the money will go: armaments and salaries

The Prime Minister detailed the expenditure structure. The bulk of the funds will be directed toward two critically important tasks: purchasing equipment and ensuring the welfare of the personnel.

2.3 trillion UAH is planned for the procurement of weapons and military equipment. Another 1.45 trillion UAH will be spent on the monetary allowance for Ukrainian servicemen. This decision is directly linked to the need to improve the quality of life for fighters and their motivation.

Funding for additional expenses, including salary increases, will be provided primarily through the redistribution of internal resources of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Additionally, the use of the reserve fund is planned: 559.1 million UAH will be directed to support the energy sector, which is also a matter of national security.

Army reform: context of budgetary changes

The budgetary amendments come into force against the backdrop of preparations for a large-scale reform of military service. The President of Ukraine and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces previously announced the launch of this process, with the start scheduled for June 2026.

The reform provides for fundamental changes in the service system. Among the key innovations are the introduction of special contracts for infantrymen, an updated system of monetary allowance, and the phased dismissal of certain categories of military personnel who have been in the ranks since 2022.

One of the main issues discussed in the Verkhovna Rada Budget Committee on June 8 was the increase in the minimum monetary allowance. As part of the reform, it is planned to increase this amount from the current 20,000 UAH to more than 30,000 UAH. The adoption of the 2026 budget with record injections creates a financial basis for implementing these ambitious plans.