Ukraine needs 23 billion euros for defense: Khmara spoke about the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to the official, during the NATO summit in Turkey in July 2026, partner countries promised to provide Ukraine with 70 billion euros for defense needs. Currently, he said, partners have already provided 62 billion euros, including through bilateral assistance and an EU loan. Thus, an additional 8 billion euros need to be found to fulfill this agreement.

At the same time, the overall defense funding deficit in Ukraine is 23 billion euros. Khmara emphasized that these funds are needed, in particular, for the stable production and supply of drones this year and early next.

According to him, up to 90% of Ukraine’s success on the battlefield depends on drones. The Minister called on partners to make the necessary financial decisions by November so that Ukraine could feel their results already in the winter.

Khmara also reported that, with the support of partners and thanks to an EU loan, Ukraine is concluding contracts for the supply of about 1,000 missiles for Patriot air defense systems.

At the same time, most of these missiles will only arrive in the coming years. Therefore, Ukraine is asking partners to transfer missiles from their stocks now, offering in return future improved missiles under existing contracts.

Separately, the minister emphasized the need to supply air-to-air missiles and portable anti-aircraft missile systems to combat jet drones and “shaheeds.”