Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Ukraine Plans Record $109 Billion Defence Budget for 2027
Ukraine is planning to spend a record amount of money on its military in 2027.
The plan is worth about $109 billion.
This would use nearly two-thirds of the government’s planned spending.
Ukraine says the money is needed because Russia’s war is continuing.
Some of the money would pay soldiers, while most would buy weapons and equipment.
Ukraine also wants more than $52 billion in help from foreign partners.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said lawmakers may need to approve unpopular measures to raise or secure money.
Turkey is separately proposing steps to reduce attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
Ukraine’s draft 2027 budget allocates 4.9 trillion hryvnia, or about $109 billion, to defence and security.
The planned allocation would equal nearly two-thirds of government expenditure and about 43.8% of gross domestic product.
About one-third of defence spending is designated for soldiers’ wages, with most of the rest for weapons and military equipment.
Ukraine plans to seek an additional $52.6 billion in foreign aid, while President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of unpopular financing measures, including a tax on foreign parcels.
Turkey has proposed measures to Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, where Turkish vessels have been targeted.
- Who
- The Ukrainian government, Finance Minister Sergiy Marchenko, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia, and Turkey are involved in the developments described.
- What
- Ukraine proposed record 2027 defence and security spending and plans to seek additional foreign aid; Turkey proposed measures to stop attacks on civilian ships.
- When
- The proposal concerns 2027; Zelensky and Marchenko discussed it on Tuesday, while reported ship attacks increased in recent months.
- Where
- Ukraine and the Black Sea region.
- Why
- Ukraine says continuing Russian attacks make defence and security its top priority; Turkey’s proposal responds to attacks on commercial vessels.
- Planned defence spending
- 4.9 trillion hryvnia, approximately $109 billion, in 2027.
- Share of government expenditure
- Nearly two-thirds of Ukraine’s planned government spending.
- Share of GDP
- Approximately 43.8% of Ukraine’s GDP.
- Foreign aid sought
- An additional $52.6 billion, including support from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
- Spending breakdown
- About one-third is planned for soldiers’ wages; most of the remainder is for weapons and military equipment.
- Russia comparison
- Russia has planned approximately 13.6 trillion rubles, or about $161 billion, for defence in 2027, representing around 30% of its budget.
- Foreign financing received
- Ukraine has received about $200 billion from foreign partners since the war began in 2022, besides military assistance.