Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is facing a $27 billion budget shortfall, Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged.

According to Zelensky, a significant share of the money originally allocated for the second half of 2026 was already spent during the first six months of the year. He said the funds went toward drone production and other military needs.

Zelensky described covering the $27 billion deficit as an extremely difficult task.

Of that amount, between $8 billion and $10 billion is needed in advance to provide the military with weapons and other resources in January 2027. Nearly another $20 billion is required for salaries for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, payments to the families of those killed and other expenses.

Zelensky said Kiev is currently discussing possible funding with France and Germany. He is also seeking to accelerate the release of European financing already earmarked for Ukraine.

Kiev is additionally expecting another $30 billion in European funds. The allocation of that money is tied to the Verkhovnaya Rada adopting the required legislation.