Ukraine Requests $60 Billion from Allies to Fund Its Military Spending for 2026

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denis Shmyhal announced that his country needs at least $120 billion to finance its military expenses during the upcoming year (2026), indicating that $60 billion of this amount is sought to be secured through support from international partners, especially NATO countries and the European Union.

This came during ongoing negotiations between Kyiv and its allies to enhance military support, amidst continued Russian attacks with a barrage of missiles and drones. Shmyhal emphasized the need to expedite funding to address the increasing security challenges, including providing air defense systems and anti-tank ammunition.

According to Reuters, military commitments from NATO allies to Ukraine have exceeded €21 billion ($21.65 billion) since the beginning of 2025, while the European Union has allocated over €23 billion to support Kyiv this year. Additionally, Britain and Norway have provided additional assistance amounting to around €12 billion.

The agency noted that Western support is witnessing a significant escalation, especially after US President Donald Trump announced that European countries will purchase "Patriot" defense systems for Ukraine, while the United States will provide alternatives to those donor countries.

Ukraine aims to increase its domestic production of weapons and equipment by up to 50% within six months, focusing on meeting urgent needs such as ammunition and defense systems. International funding is a crucial factor in ensuring military readiness against Russian threats, according to Ukrainian officials' statements.

It is worth mentioning that Kyiv emphasizes that obtaining half of the required amount ($60 billion) through external support will be necessary to enhance its defense capabilities during the upcoming year, amid warnings of escalating confrontations with Russia.