Ukraine still faces defense funding shortfall despite European Union aid
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (photo: facebook.com/mykhailofedorov.com.ua)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov privately asked the European Union to allocate €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility to Ukraine's defense needs, Reuters reports.
As it turned out, Fedorov sent a special letter to European allies. It is dated June 26, 2026.
In it, the minister reminded Brussels that Ukraine's total defense needs this year amount to about €136 billion. The country's budget can cover only €53 billion of that amount.
In addition, another €28.3 billion will be allocated from the European Union's €90 billion financial assistance. Despite this, there is still not enough money.
That is why Fedorov privately appealed to the European Peace Facility to allocate €6.6 billion for Ukraine's defense needs.
The minister's letter states that the Facility could make "one of the most impactful European contributions to Ukraine's defense this year."
Fedorov also stressed that the funds should be directed precisely "where they can generate the greatest and most immediate military effect."
On June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly called on Brussels to promptly allocate the €6 billion for Kyiv that had been unblocked from the European Peace Facility. However, no decision has been made so far.
Recently, Fedorov warned of a decisive moment in the Russia-Ukraine war.
In addition, he confirmed that Kyiv and Paris are discussing a license for the production of SCALP missiles.
