Zelenskyy weighs Europe's chances of funding Ukrainian soldiers' salaries
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
European partners understand the importance of additional funding for the salaries of Ukrainian soldiers. There is a chance Ukraine could receive financial support, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in response to a question from RBC-Ukraine.
He noted that the first point of Ukraine's security guarantees is the army. This, in turn, requires an increase in soldiers' salaries.
"Regarding salary increases during a ceasefire, at a time when our partners are present and there are security guarantees for Ukraine, these guarantees should include funding for our army. Salaries represent a large amount of money, and the Ukrainian budget alone will not be enough for the size of our Armed Forces," Zelenskyy said.
He added that the issue of additional funding for soldiers’ salaries is already being raised and understood by European partners.
"This issue is not only for them, but also for various institutions. It is still too early to speak about the results," he emphasized.
When asked about the chances that Europe would help Ukraine with funding, Zelenskyy replied, "There is a chance."
Ukraine plans to increase military pay
Earlier, Zelenskyy said he plans to ask European partners for financial assistance to increase pay for Ukrainian soldiers.
Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko also said that Ukraine is negotiating the allocation of partner support to fund the Defense Forces. This specifically includes increasing salaries for service members.
Marchenko noted that the draft state budget assumes the war will continue through 2026.
