War in 2027 could cost Ukraine $175 billion: $100 billion budgeted

The Ministry of Defense estimates the needs for financing the war in 2027 at approximately $175 billion, while the draft state budget currently provides for about $100 billion.

This was announced by First Deputy Minister of Finance Roman Yermolychev during a budget discussion at the Center for Economic Strategy.

For comparison, the Ministry of Defense estimates the needs for 2026 at $155 billion.

Where do they plan to find the money

According to Yermolychev, there is a need to attract about $70 billion in additional resources. For this, Ukraine is counting not only on direct funding from international partners, but also on mechanisms for obtaining weapons.

Among such instruments, he named Ramstein, PURL and other formats of international support.

At the same time, according to the data provided, there is already a vision of possible sources of financing for approximately $20 billion of the unmet needs. Sources for the remaining funds still need to be found.

Almost 5 trillion UAH planned for defense

The Ministry of Finance states that the approach to forming the defense budget for 2027 has been changed.

The resources for the defense sector are planned to be increased by approximately 518 billion UAH — from 4.4 trillion to 4.9 trillion UAH.

This amount already includes about 300 billion UAH, necessary for the increased monetary support from July 1 and social payments related to the defense sector.

At the same time, the calculations do not yet take into account a possible increase in the number of military personnel, since this indicator is difficult to predict.

The Reserve Fund will also be increased

In addition, the government plans to increase the resources of the Reserve Fund.

If in 2026 its volume under the general fund was about 140 billion UAH, then next year they plan to provide 200 billion UAH.

Thus, the Ministry of Defense’s stated need for 2027 significantly exceeds the resources currently provided for in the draft state budget. Ukraine expects to cover part of the difference with the help of international partners and arms supply mechanisms.