Address by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal at the Government session

Distinguished colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.

We start a regular session of the Government.

While Ukraine and the world are seeking ways to end the war, russia is intensifying its bloody terror against Ukrainian cities and civilians.

The dozens of people killed in Dnipro, Kyiv and other communities this week are a demonstration that russia is not interested in peace. This means that Ukraine and its partners must force the aggressor to peace through force.

To do this, we are working with our allies on new defense packages and sanctions, boosting our economy, defense and arms production.

In the first 5 months of this year, the Government has allocated almost UAH 1 trillion for the defense and security of Ukraine. This is 2/3 of what we spend from the state budget.

Compared to the same period last year, we have allocated 34% more funds for the army and security.

Every hryvnia of taxpayers' money from the state budget is spent on Ukraine's defense capability.

Our Armed Forces have been financed as a priority and in full all this time.

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Moreover, we will channel all additional resources for these needs.

That is why today the Government adopts a draft law on amendments to the State Budget for 2025.

We propose to increase funding for the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine by UAH 412 billion this year.

Almost UAH 311 billion of this amount is earmarked for the Ministry of Defense.

We also propose to allocate more than UAH 100 billion to build the capacities of the Ministry for Strategic Industries, the National Guard, the Border Guard Service, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. In other words, to support all those who destroy enemies and create effective tools to reduce their presence on Ukrainian soil.

Another UAH 6.3 billion is planned to direct to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, in particular for the development of defense innovations.

UAH 6.1 billion is allocated for the Ministry of Education so that starting from September 1, children in grades 5-11 in the frontline regions can receive free lunches at their schools.

We propose to allocate another UAH 3.1 billion to the Ministry of Health for the procurement of medicines, in particular for the treatment of people with cancer, viral hepatitis, rare orphan diseases, and hemophilia.

In total, we plan to increase the expenditures of the general fund of the state budget by UAH 449 billion.

The sources to cover these expenditures are an increase in budget revenues and in domestic borrowings.

We clearly understand how we will finance absolutely all expenditures this year.

We are working closely with our partners and international financial organizations to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary resources to protect and recover.

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Despite all the challenges of the war, rapid reconstruction remains a constant focus of the Government.

People's housing, energy, water, heat, schools, hospitals, bridges. We are restoring everything that is essential for life.

Today, we approve a decision to allocate more than UAH 700 million for 35 energy projects that are critical for the winter in certain communities.

These include the construction of alternative sources of heat and energy, reconstruction of boiler houses and heating networks, construction and installation of gas piston and cogeneration units.

Most of the funds will go to projects in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions.

We are also to pass a decision to help attract funds from the European Investment Bank to complete 60 restoration projects. Thanks to this funding, we will manage to complete 19 schools, 12 medical facilities, and 10 kindergartens.

We also continue to support Mykolaiv region. We allot UAH 50 million for the overhaul of the rehabilitation department of the Mykolaiv Regional Clinical Hospital for War Veterans.

We also continue to invest in education. Today, we are allocating UAH 307 million to purchase equipment and modernize canteens in 23 schools across the country.

We are grateful to our international partners who help our country finance recovery and development programs.

I am grateful to our defenders who are holding back the enemy on the front line.

I am grateful to Ukrainian arms manufacturers, thanks to whom our country is becoming one of the major hubs of defense production in Europe.

I thank everyone who treats, teaches, saves, invests and works for our country, for our victory.

Thank you for your attention.

Glory to Ukraine!