Ukrainian govt proposes Rada increase 2025 state budget expenditures, bulk to be spent on defense and security - Shmygal

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government has proposed that the Verkhovna Rada increase the 2025 state budget expenditures by UAH 449 billion, including UAH 412 billion to be spent on defense and security needs, Ukrainian media quoted Prime Minister Denis Shmygal as saying at a government meeting on Wednesday.

"We propose increasing the financing of Ukraine's security and defense forces by UAH 412 billion this year. Nearly UAH 311 billion of it is earmarked for the Defense Ministry. We also propose spending over UAH 100 billion for enhancing the capabilities of the Ministry of Strategic Industries, the National Guard, the Border Service, the Security Service, and the Main Intelligence Directorate," Shmygal said.

Another UAH 6.3 billion should be earmarked for the Digital Transformation Ministry, particularly for developing defense innovations, UAH 6.1 billion for the Education and Science Ministry, and UAH 3.1 billion for the Health Ministry, he said.

"We plan to increase the expenditures of the state budget's general fund by UAH 449 billion. These expenditures will be covered through increasing budget revenues and increasing domestic borrowings. We understand clearly how we'll finance absolutely all our expenditures this year. We keep working with our partners and international financial organizations to make sure that Ukraine has the necessary resources for its defense and reconstruction," Shmygal said.