One day of war costs Ukraine about $190 million: what is the money spent on?

The cost of one day of war for Ukraine in 2026 increased to approximately $190 million. For comparison, in 2024 this figure was estimated at $140 million. Thus, in two years, daily expenses increased by approximately $50 million.

According to the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Budget, Roksolana Pidlasa, during the first eight months of 2026, Ukraine spent almost $42 billion on national security and defense. This is without taking into account military aid that international partners provide in kind.

At the same time, budget revenues and internal borrowings for this period amounted to about $39 billion. This means that the state’s own financial resources are no longer enough to fully cover the corresponding part of defense spending.

Why war has become more expensive

The increase in expenses is associated with several factors at once. Among the main ones are inflation, an increase in the number of personnel of the Defense Forces, an increase in social payments to the families of deceased servicemen, and a greater need for ammunition.

If we conditionally translate the current figure into monthly terms, 30 days of war cost Ukraine about $5.7 billion.

At the same time, the amount of $190 million is an average estimate and does not mean that the state spends the same amount of money every day.

Another $27 billion is needed for defense

By the end of 2026, Ukraine needs additional financing for defense needs. According to Pidlasa, the Ministry of Defense announced the need for approximately $27 billion more.

A significant part of these funds is needed for the purchase, development, and production of weapons and ammunition.

In addition, in 2026, Ukraine began to use international funds not only to finance civilian needs, but also to pay salaries to military personnel.

Russian strikes reduce budget revenues

In parallel with the growth of defense spending, Ukraine is losing part of its budget revenues due to Russian attacks on economic facilities.

For the first eight months of 2026, shortfalls in domestic and import VAT are estimated at approximately $1.35 billion, with about a quarter of this amount falling on August alone.

Among the reasons cited are Russian strikes on port infrastructure, grain logistics, and metallurgical enterprises.

Thus, the state is simultaneously facing two financial challenges: the cost of defense is increasing, while the possibilities of filling the budget due to the war are decreasing.