Sergii Koretskyi: Government is working to secure the funding needed for the defense budget and social spending

The defense budget currently faces a funding gap of USD 27 billion. The Government and all state authorities are working to secure the necessary financing. This was announced by Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi in an interview for the Yedyni Novyny (United News) telethon.

According to him, the Government plans to cover part of this amount — around USD 7 billion — through strict fiscal discipline. "This includes optimizing spending, reallocating expenditures, and other measures. As a result, military pay and support for military families must be fully guaranteed," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Sergii Koretskyi also noted that the President, the Government, and all state authorities are working with partners to find mechanisms and sources to cover the remaining USD 20 billion. These funds are critically needed to supply the Defense Forces with drones, missiles, equipment, and other resources.

"Right now, the task for the Government — for the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance — is to work through the details with our partners on exactly how we can close these funding gaps. It's equally important that we already have a clear plan in place to cover all expenditures in 2027," the Prime Minister stated.

In the interview, the Head of Government also stressed that despite the State Budget deficit, all social spending — pensions, and salaries for doctors and teachers — must be paid on time and in full: "We have no other option."

However, Sergii Koretskyi noted that all other, non-essential spending will be put on hold until the corresponding funds are received from partners.

"For our part, the Government guarantees that by October 15, all Government's decisions required to secure the international financial assistance promised by our partners will be completed. I would once again urge Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, to pass all the necessary laws that our external financing directly depends on," the Prime Minister said. "We need to act proactively, make decisions quickly and flexibly, and judge every step by a single criterion: does it help ensure the survival of the state, the nation, and our sovereignty. If it does — nothing else matters; we need to move forward and get it done."

Sergii Koretskyi also emphasized that one of the key priorities is scaling up the production of interceptors to effectively counter Russian jet-powered drones: "Every branch of government, without exception, is focused on this issue. For its part, the Government is simplifying conditions for manufacturers to the maximum extent possible, cutting red tape, and increasing financial support through credit instruments. Every possible form of support is being provided to deploy the necessary production as quickly as possible."

The Prime Minister also noted that Ukraine is entering this winter better prepared than last year. Resilience plans, when they were approved, were highly ambitious — and it was precisely this ambition that made it possible to significantly strengthen the system, even without full implementation.

Despite existing delays, the Head of Government believes that military administrations, heads of communities and cities, state companies, and ministries have done a tremendous amount of work, and he expressed gratitude for their efforts.

According to him, more generating capacity has been built this year. More critical facilities now have backup power supplies. There is stronger protection for critical infrastructure elements. And there are larger reserves of equipment and spare parts, along with more repair crews and machinery.

"But unfortunately, the enemy has also become more sophisticated — with jet-powered 'Shaheds' and a buildup of ballistic missiles for the winter. It certainly won't be easy, but we have no option other than to hold the line," Sergii Koretskyi said.

The Prime Minister also appealed to European partners to support Ukraine by deploying their emergency services — rescuers, along with equipment and personnel.