The head of the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Roksolana Pidlasa, stated that the deficit of Ukraine’s state budget in 2026 will reach $19 billion. According to her, even after the approval of amendments to the current year’s budget, the deficit is expected to be $42 billion, and this amount is unlikely to decrease significantly in the future.
This is reported by Business • Media
Significant Need for External Funding
Pidlasa emphasized that in 2025, Ukraine will remain dependent on international financial support, as approximately 66% of the country’s budget will be allocated to financing the defense sector. She estimates that in 2026, the deficit in external funding will be around $40 billion, part of which will be covered by so-called non-repayable loans from G7 countries (ERA loans), financial assistance from the European Union under the Ukraine Facility program, as well as support from the International Monetary Fund.
“Part of this need will be covered by so-called non-repayable loans from G7 countries (ERA loans), and part by EU assistance under the Ukraine Facility and the IMF. At the same time, there remains an uncovered need for external funding in 2026 – $19 billion,” she noted.
High Defense and Reconstruction Expenditures
Pidlasa highlighted that even if active hostilities conclude by the end of 2025, a significant portion of state expenditures will continue to go towards defense. In addition, Ukraine will face substantial costs for the reconstruction of infrastructure and the economy, which will also require additional financial resources. She also expressed confidence in the possibility of expanding cooperation with the IMF, similar to other countries, to attract additional funds.