Ukraine needs $8-10 billion now to secure weapons for its army this winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine urgently needs $10 billion to purchase weapons for early next year, plus another $20 billion to cover the military's urgent needs and civilian protection, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the Ukraine-Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) summit in Kyiv.
Funding shortfall, military needs
According to the head of state, the funding shortfall issue is critical.
Of the total $27 billion needed, $8-10 billion is required immediately so that the Defense Forces have the necessary weapons in January and February, while civilians have protection against air attacks.
"That's roughly $8-10 billion. And $20 billion is urgent funding because it's needed for the four months of this year. It is needed now," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Where Ukraine plans to find money
The government is considering various options to secure the necessary funding.
Key sources under consideration include:
- Frozen Russian assets: Work is ongoing both through bilateral channels and with countries outside the European Union
- Second $90 billion tranche: Ukraine will actively work to secure access to these funds.
Zelenskyy stressed that the lack of funding is a serious challenge that Ukraine is currently managing to contain, but it is important to prevent its consequences from affecting either civilian life or the front line.
Other statements by Zelenskyy
As previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has never participated in the sabotage of Nord Stream 2. According to him, an investigation is currently underway, involving relevant witnesses and charges, while the Ukrainian side remains open to establishing all the circumstances.
The president also revealed details of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Following those meetings, Ukraine and the United States agreed on key ideas for ending the war and drew up a list of realistic scenarios for doing so.
