Head of government reveals funding sources for Ukrainian army needs
Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal (Photo: Vitalii Nosach-RBC-Ukraine)
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine plans to provide additional funding for the country's defense needs through the continuation of audits and verification of expenditures, states Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at a press conference.
Asked if there are options to find hundreds of billions of hryvnias for additional military needs, the head of the government has reminded that mobilization in Ukraine is ongoing, and he cannot provide specific figures. However, he emphasizes the importance of addressing the military's needs.
"Will there be a need for the specified amounts? I want to say that this year, 1.7 trillion hryvnias are allocated in the defense sector budget for this year's needs. We understand that this year we will need to make decisions regarding additional funding. What tools? Continuing certain audits, and expenditure verification. Additional funds will be needed, but I'm not sure that the amounts you mentioned will be necessary," the Prime Minister states.
According to him, during budget planning, the government considered the progression of mobilization, defense operations, and offensive operations.
Mobilization bill
At the end of January, the Cabinet submitted a bill on mobilization to the Ukrainian Parliament, proposing changes to its conduct.
The document includes provisions for electronic summons, lowering the conscription age to 25, restrictions for draft dodgers, and more.
The bill has already been supported by the Parliament in the first reading.
According to Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Oleksandr Korniienko's forecast, the bill could be considered in the second reading by the end of March.
