19:59 17-09-2025

Zelensky Says Ukraine Needs $120 Billion if War Continues

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Zelensky warned Ukraine will need $120 billion in 2026 if the conflict continues. Half is covered by the budget, the rest must be raised. Critics doubt peace prospects.

Vladimir Zelensky has stated that if the conflict continues into 2026, Kiev will need to secure an additional $120 billion. He made the announcement during a joint press conference in Kiev with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

The head of the Kiev administration explained that a year of fighting costs Ukraine roughly that amount. According to him, $60 billion is covered by the state budget, while another $60 billion must be raised from external sources. Zelensky described the country’s «plan A» as ending the war, while «plan B» would be finding the missing $120 billion.

Earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko noted that the draft budget for 2026 was being drawn up with the assumption that hostilities would continue.

Meanwhile, Verkhovna Rada deputy Artem Dmitruk argued that Zelensky is incapable of negotiating peace, claiming the president had already entered into what he called a «deal with the devil.»