Ukraine's Defense Funding Proposal to the EU
Ukraine has approached the European Union to consider the possibility of funding for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, beginning in 2026.
This was stated by Ukraine's Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko following meetings with G7 finance officials in Canada.
Ukraine's Request for Army Funding from 2026
The minister highlighted that the main topic discussed at these international meetings was ensuring funding for Ukraine in 2026.
“What we propose is the involvement of partners in financing the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the integration of the Ukrainian army into the European defense system,” − wrote Serhiy Marchenko.
According to the Ukrainian minister, the costs of supporting the Armed Forces will represent a small fraction of the EU's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Marchenko explained that these expenses could be distributed among countries willing to join this initiative. Additionally, these contributions could be included in the calculation of defense expenditures of the respective countries, in line with their NATO commitments.
“I emphasized that supporting Ukraine is an investment in the stability of Europe. Strengthening defense capabilities is not a political choice but an urgent necessity. Action is required today to be strong in the future,” − underlined Marchenko.
Earlier, the European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, stated that within the EU's rearmament plan of 800 billion euros, part of the funds will be directed towards military support for Ukraine.
EU Ambassadors Agree on Defense Fund of €150 Billion
Recently, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU Member States (Coreper) approved the “Action for the Security of Europe” (SAFE) program on May 21.
This week, EU finance ministers are discussing a proposal to create a new joint defense fund – the European Defense Mechanism (EDM) – to finance the rearmament of the continent. According to the proposal, countries outside the EU, such as Ukraine, may also join this fund.
In December, it became known that the European Union was discussing the establishment of a joint defense fund of 500 billion euros to increase defense spending ahead of the return of newly elected President Donald Trump to power in the USA.
