Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
But Ukraine can only find half of the amount needed for plan B themselves.
But Ukraine can only find half of the amount needed for plan B themselves.
What is happening?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that his government has prepared two distinct plans for 2026—one of which includes the end of the war with Russia.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Zelensky made it clear that peace remains the priority, but financial planning must also cover the worst-case scenario.
Plan A and plan B
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s first and preferred goal is to end the war.
However, if the conflict drags on, Plan B involves finding $120 billion to sustain the country for another year of fighting.
“Plan A is to end the war. Plan B is 120 billion. And this is a huge challenge,” Zelensky said.
War costs are rising
The Ukrainian president revealed the staggering price tag of a full year of war: $120 billion.
Half of that—$60 billion—can be covered by Ukraine’s domestic budget.
The remaining $60 billion will have to come from international partners and donors.
Military expenses dominate Ukraine’s budget
According to Zelensky, nearly all of Ukraine’s tax revenues are now directed toward military spending.
This leaves the country dependent on foreign aid to cover essential non-military government functions, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Military aid is separate—and equally expensive
On top of the $120 billion needed to run the country, Ukraine expects another $60 billion in promised foreign military aid.
Zelensky emphasized the need for international understanding:
“You have to understand the magnitude of this problem. That’s why we talk so much about these resources.”
Daily costs reach $172 million in 2025
Roksolana Pidlasa, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary Budget Committee, revealed that a single day of war now costs Ukraine $172 million—up from $140 million per day in 2024.
These expenses include everything from soldier salaries to medical costs and compensation for the families of the fallen.
Defense Minister warns: Underfunding means losing lives
Former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, now serving as Defense Minister, delivered a stark warning.
“If we spend less money than Russia, then we will pay with our territories and, most importantly, with our lives,” he said.
Peace talks with Putin stuck in limbo
Efforts to organize a peace summit between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have stalled.
Putin insists any meeting must be held in Moscow—a condition Ukraine rejects due to security concerns.
Trump criticizes stalled negotiations
US President Donald Trump weighed in last week, expressing frustration over the failed timing of past peace attempts.
“When Putin wanted to do it, Zelensky didn’t want to. When Zelensky wanted to, Putin didn’t want to,” Trump remarked.
US pressure mounts—but no new sanctions yet
Though the White House has threatened sanctions against Russian banks and the oil sector, no fresh measures have been announced.
Instead, Washington has urged the EU to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese and Indian imports of Russian oil, pledging to match such steps if taken.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
