Roksolana Pidlasa: Thanks to the loan from the European Union, it will be possible to increase funding for the defence sector by more than 50% this year
13 May 2026, 14:05
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine received from the Government a draft amendment to the state budget for 2026, which proposes increasing funding for the defense sector by more that 50% compared to the current budget allocation. This became possible after the EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
This was stated by Roksolana Pidlasa, member of Servant of the People faction, Chair of the parliamentary Budget Committee.
“This year we expect to receive half of this loan, or €45 billion, of which €31.8 billion will be allocated to the procurement of weapons, as well as to service members’ remuneration. Weapons and ammunition will be purchased in the EU member states and from Ukrainian manufacturers. These weapons will be delivered to all defence forces currently protecting us on the frontline,” the politician said.
She added that €13.2 billion from this major European loan will be included in the budget for humanitarian needs.
“This concerns, for example, salaries in the education and healthcare sectors, as well as the restoration of critical infrastructure facilities damaged as a result of russian attacks. The government also proposes allocating UAH 40 billion for the implementation of comprehensive resilience plans for regions and individual cities, under which governors and local authorities will prepare energy infrastructure and protect it from future winter attacks,” the Member of Parliament stressed.
She recalled that the funds from the EU can only conditionally be called a loan or borrowing, as in reality Ukraine will be required to repay them only if russia pays reparations for the damage caused during the war.