Zelenskyy to ask EU for assistance in increasing military salaries
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to appeal to European allies for help in funding pay raises for the military to address the growing shortage of recruits, the head of state stated to journalists in Kyiv, according to Bloomberg.
"Previously, Europeans refused to provide funding for the salaries of our military personnel, only for weapons. Our service members themselves can be the weapon that protects everyone," Zelenskyy said.
According to the outlet, the government aims to motivate more volunteers by offering substantial payments to those who sign military contracts. However, increasing soldiers’ pay would place additional strain on Ukraine’s state budget, which last year had a deficit exceeding 20% of GDP amid massive military expenditures.
Ukraine relies on tens of billions of dollars in aid from its foreign allies, who have so far rejected the idea of directly covering military expenses.
Despite demands from the International Monetary Fund, which is providing Ukraine with a loan program worth around $16 billion, to reduce the deficit, the government has no plans to raise taxes.
According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, international donors have so far guaranteed only about half of the $75 billion Ukraine needs to cover its budget over the next two years.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs $25 billion annually to produce drones, jammers, and missiles, which will lead to a budget shortfall of up to $65 billion next year.
According to the president, he has already begun discussing the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as with American counterparts.
"This is a very difficult topic," Zelenskyy noted.
Zelenskyy orders an increase in payments for military personnel
In June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) decision On proposals for the Budget Declaration for 2026–2028 regarding articles related to ensuring Ukraine’s national security and defense.
According to the document, the Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to prioritize funding for national security and defense in the state budget of Ukraine for 2026–2028.
The government has also been tasked with addressing the issue of increasing monetary allowances for servicemen, police officers, and personnel of the rank-and-file and command staff. In addition, measures must be taken to guarantee the payment of one-time assistance in the event of the death of such individuals due to injuries sustained during martial law.
The 2025 state budget allocates 2.223 trillion hryvnias for defense needs. In the first quarter, spending on security and defense accounted for 73.5% of all budget expenditures.
The government has repeatedly declared its intention to boost funding for the military. However, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko has assured that the tax burden on citizens will not increase. At the same time, last autumn’s increase in defense spending was partially funded through higher taxes — in particular, the military levy was raised from 1.5% to 5%.
