Zelensky submits seven bills to cover Ukraine's €23bn defence budget gap

September 16, 2026 at 09:40 AM2 min

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted seven bills to the Verkhovna Rada on September 15 to finance a defence budget shortfall of nearly €23 billion. Most of the bills will be considered in first reading, and their approval is tied to receiving financial aid from international partners. Zelensky acknowledged some measures may be unpopular but said they are necessary to fund defence and preserve recovery prospects.

Key Facts

Ukraine's budget faces a shortfall of nearly €23 billion for security and defence spending, according to the Verkhovna Rada.
Zelensky submitted seven bills to parliament on September 15 to finance the deficit.
If parliament approves the bills tied to Ukraine's international obligations, the country could receive over $12 billion in the near term.
In August, Zelensky estimated the Defence Ministry's budget shortfall at $27 billion, or more than €23 billion.

Legislative Package

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 15 that seven draft laws had been added to the Verkhovna Rada's agenda to finance the state budget deficit. Most of the bills will be considered in first reading. Zelensky said the adoption of these documents is linked to receiving financial assistance from Ukraine's international partners. He acknowledged that some initiatives may be "difficult, unpleasant, and unpopular," but argued they are necessary to ensure defence needs and preserve the country's recovery prospects.

Funding Gap

According to official information from the Verkhovna Rada, the country's budget faces a shortfall of nearly €23 billion in financing security and defence expenditures. The main ways to cover the deficit are direct arms assistance from partner states and attracting international financial support. If parliament supports the bills related to Ukraine's international obligations, the country could receive more than $12 billion in the near future. In August, Zelensky estimated the Defence Ministry's budget shortfall at $27 billion, or more than €23 billion. Kyiv is seeking these funds to finance military salaries and social payments, weapons purchases, and other defence needs.