Zelensky Reveals $65 Billion Annual Cost of Continuing War Against Russia
July 26, 202541 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in statements made during a meeting with journalists in the capital Kyiv on Thursday, July 24, that his country needs more than $65 billion annually to ensure its continuity in facing the Russian invasion.
Zelensky explained, as reported by the "Interfax Ukraine" agency, that Ukraine faces a financial deficit of $40 billion, in addition to an annual need estimated at $25 billion to finance drone production, raising the total required amount to $65 billion annually.
He added that this budget not only includes drone manufacturing, but also extends to cover missile costs, electronic warfare equipment, and other vital defense needs.
Zelensky confirmed that he discussed this issue with several Western leaders, including:
• President of the European Council, Antonio Costa
• President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
• NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg
• French President, Emmanuel Macron
• British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer
• American officials
The Ukrainian President also pointed out that his country is seeking to cover the salaries of Ukrainian soldiers through external sources, emphasizing that these soldiers "form a fundamental pillar in defending Ukraine and directly contribute to protecting the security of Europe as a whole," according to his expression.
According to official data, a Ukrainian soldier on the front lines receives a monthly salary slightly exceeding $2,800.
Zelensky noted that more than half of Ukraine's state budget is funded from abroad, with annual external support reaching around $41 billion, while the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance clarified that $35 billion of this funding has been transferred to Kyiv so far during the current year.
Zelensky's statements come at a critical time, as Ukraine seeks to secure continued financial and military support from Western countries amid an ongoing war that is draining both human and economic resources alike.
