The elaborated by the Government draft state budget for 2018 envisages expenditures at least 3% of GDP directly to be directed to the needs of the army, while the general defense and security budget will amount to 5% of GDP. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman was quoted as saying during A Question Time for the Government at the Parliament of Ukraine.

"We have worked hard on budgeting. Spending on security and defense makes up over UAH 164 billion. For the first time, we have planned in budget 3% of our GDP to be allotted for the army plus funding for the provision and modernization of armaments. Moreover, we have budgeted maximum expenditures from the general fund of the state budget," the Head of Government emphasized.

At that he continued that 2018 budget, in case of approval, would encourage economic upturn, development of innovations and exports, demonstrating a positive dynamics recently, all of which would add up, among other things, to paying off the accumulated debt for the years.

“A separate emphasis is put on the unprecedented support for agrarians and farmers. We will resume animal husbandry,” assured Volodymyr Groysman, “A raise in salary for Ukrainian teacher is also included into the priority agenda for our Government. This year, we have upped salaries (for educators) by 50%, and another 25% raise is planned in 2018. The expenses have been fully costed and we have all the necessary calculations and funding propositions."

The Head of Government stressed that he counts on fruitful cooperation with the Parliament on the draft budget. "We have tabled the draft budget in the terms set by law with time left for a professional and constructive debate," Volodymyr Groysman summed up.