The Verkhovna Rada has adopted amendments to the state budget for 2026, which provide for a significant increase in funding for the security and defence sector. The law allocates additional funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, upgrade weapons and implement regional resilience plans. The funding will be partially provided by the European Union.
- The Verkhovna Rada passed a law amending the budget for 2026.
- Funding for the security and defence sector will be increased by UAH 1.56 trillion.
- UAH 40 billion is allocated for Comprehensive Resilience Plans for regions and cities.
- The military duty and duty on military goods will be allocated to the Armed Forces.
- The law includes EU financial assistance in the 2026 budget.
Expanding funding for the security and defence sector
On 10 June, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading law no. 15224, amending the state budget of Ukraine for 2026. The law provides for Increase in spending on the security and defence sector by UAH 1.56 trillion. This decision was supported by 242 MPs. The document also sets aside UAH 40 billion for the implementation of Comprehensive Resilience Plans for regions and individual cities, and provides for a significant increase in the budget reserve fund.
Sources of funding and targeted use of funds
The draft law regulates the inclusion of of the 2026 budget financial assistance from the European Union. This assistance is provided within the framework of enhanced cooperation under Regulation (EU) 2026/467, which provides for a loan to support Ukraine in 2026-2027. In addition, the law establishes the targeted allocation of revenues from military fees and export duties on military and dual-use goods. These funds will be used to pay the salaries of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as to purchase and upgrade weapons.
Budget adjustments for other sectors
When finalising the draft law, the Budget Committee took into account proposals to increase spending in other areas as well. In particular, the Ministry of Energy has been allocated an additional UAH 1.3 billion to support the safety of nuclear facilities, liquidation of unpromising coal mining enterprises and environmental safety of exclusion zones. Over UAH 1.4 billion has been allocated to the State Judicial Administration to enforce court decisions on the remuneration of employees of the Judicial Protection Service.
Political discussions around the budget
A meeting of the Budget Committee on 8 June was the scene of heated debate between the government and lawmakers who cooperate with the security forces. Despite 1,865 proposals submitted, only 8 amendments were fully taken into account, and most were rejected. Nevertheless, the Committee recommended that the law be adopted in the second reading.
Significance for Ukraine's defence capability
Increasing funding for the security and defence sector is an important step in countering Russia's large-scale armed aggression. Additional resources will help maintain the combat capability of the Armed Forces, upgrade weapons and implement regional resilience programmes, which are key components of the state's security.
