Zelensky Promises Ukraine Financial Deficit Will Be Closed by Year End

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a Reuters interview that Ukraine will successfully close its current financial deficit before the end of 2026, crediting close cooperation with the European Union and international partners.

EU Cooperation Drives Budget Stability

"We have been working on our financial deficit for the last few months. We will close the current deficit by the end of the year," Zelensky said. He described the outcome as a major success for Ukraine, its economic team, and the European Union. "It was not easy. We worked with our budget, with our partners, including the European Union," he added.

Funds Rolled Forward for 2027 Drone Procurement

Part of the funds will be carried forward to January and used to procure drones for January and February 2027. Zelensky said his team had returned from Brussels with a positive report and that the financial cooperation was working well. "I hope it will continue this way," he said.

Significance for Ukraine's War Economy

Closing the deficit is critical for Ukraine's ability to maintain military expenditure while continuing to pay public sector wages and pensions. A stable budget also signals to international markets and partners that Ukraine can manage its finances despite the ongoing war, which strengthens Kyiv's negotiating position for further aid packages.