More than half of Ukraine’s national budget is now being financed from abroad. However, Kyiv is seeking even more support to sustain its war effort. President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for allied nations to cover the salaries of Ukrainian soldiers. “In the past, Europeans refused to fund our military wages—only weapons. But it turns out that our army cannot function as just weapons that everyone supports,” Zelensky explained on Friday. He emphasized that this is part of Ukraine’s defensive capacity and a matter of security for all of Europe.
Frontline soldiers currently receive a gross salary equivalent to just over €2,400 per month. The Ukrainian head of state estimated the country’s financial needs at more than €55 billion annually. According to the Finance Ministry in Kyiv, around €26 billion in foreign funds have already been received in 2025. At the same time, Ukraine maintains a low-tax system. For example, self-employed individuals with annual revenues up to €190,000 pay just 6% in taxes and minimal social security contributions. Germany and Norway to finance Patriot systems Currently, drones, air defense systems, and long-range weapons are the top priorities.
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi recently reiterated the need for more military assistance during a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. “We are still in urgent need of air defense systems and associated missiles, long-range weapons, artillery shells, armored technology, evacuation vehicles, electronic warfare equipment, radars, drones, and more,” said the general. He added that Russian aggression can only be stopped through joint efforts. Germany has recently pledged to fund two Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. Norway reportedly plans to pay for an additional Patriot battery.
According to President Zelensky, talks are also underway with the Netherlands, which could result in the delivery of up to seven more systems, although he did not provide a specific timeline. Trump wants allies to foot the bill U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that he would approve the shipment of Patriot systems to Ukraine. However, he made it clear that partner nations would have to bear the cost.
There has been no indication that the U.S. intends to dip into its own stockpile or cover the expenses directly. Patriot missile systems have proven highly effective in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Russia has escalated its aerial attacks across Ukraine during the summer, prompting Ukrainian forces to adopt new tactics such as drone interceptors. These air defense systems are considered vital in halting the advance of numerically superior Russian troops in eastern Ukraine and along the more than 1,000-kilometer front line.
