Ukraine defence minister pledges 'clear' plan to get early loan release

Ukraine's new defence minister plans to seek an early release of EU loan funds as Kyiv faces a $27 billion military budget deficit amid its war with Russia

Ukraine’s new defence minister pledged ??a “clear” vision for partners on how Kyiv plans to fight Russia with more resources, in a bid to bring forward part of a European Union loan ??to help cover a $27 billion military budget deficit. 

The Ukrainian government relies heavily on foreign funds to continue its war effort, now in its fifth year, with the EU committing €90 billion in financing through 2027. 

In comments to reporters released on Sunday, Yevhenii  Khmara said Kyiv would seek to bring  forward part of the €45 billion loan planned for next year, as well as lobby allies  for greater contributions and new countries that had not yet given. 

 

“Ukraine will present partners with a clear vision and a clear plan: What tasks the Defence Forces face, what projects are needed for this, what results must be achieved, and within what timeframes,” he said. 

The EU has earmarked €45  billion each for 2026 and 2027, allowing Ukraine to channel record funds toward defence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Kyiv had spent more than expected in the first half of  the year. Khmara took over as defence minister last month from Mykhailo Fedorov, whose dismissal sparked rare wartime protests.