As for the $27 billion state budget deficit, most of this money is for our drones, missiles, and supplies for our warriors. A third of this funding is for drones for January, February, and March 2027. And if we do not order and pay for them in October and November, we will face serious challenges.
We discussed this in detail with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva – what programs could be available and how to help Ukraine. The response has been positive and constructive. Everyone understands that covering this deficit is very important. Everyone understands that Ukraine cannot be left on its own and that more must be invested in Ukrainian-made drones and missiles, because most of this deficit is precisely the funding needed for weapons. Everyone understands how difficult it is to get through this period amid constant strikes. Ukraine will not be left alone. The EU supports us, and the IMF will continue its programs. I received a positive response from our partners. I am grateful to them.
I have handed this entire framework over to the Prime Minister of Ukraine. Together with the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, he will work through all the details, because some of this funding could come through the Drone Deal format. After that, a meeting will take place either in Ukraine or in Brussels in the near future.
From answers to journalists’ questions. (2/3)
