Ukraine spends $100 million on the day of war with Russia, – Reznikov
Ukraine is facing significant financial burdens as a result of its ongoing conflict with Russia. Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov revealed in an interview that the country is losing $100 million per day due to the war, with the majority of these funds being allocated to the Ukrainian army. Reznikov emphasized the need for financial support during these challenging times, stating that it is unfair to solely rely on volunteers and charitable organizations to bear the burden. He highlighted the contributions of working Ukrainians who pay taxes to support the military and various other essential sectors.
Aside from the expenses related to the army, Ukraine also requires funds for infrastructure development, national reconstruction, and assistance to vulnerable populations. However, Reznikov acknowledged the difficulties faced by businesses when engaging in contracts with the Ministry of Defense or other governmental institutions. Concerns regarding law enforcement interference and activist interference have deterred some potential partners. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has managed to develop its own production capabilities to meet the army’s needs. Ukrainian developers have successfully tested UAVs, and their production capacity is currently at full capacity. Reznikov expressed optimism that the country will continue to improve its drone production numbers. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of skilled pilots, Ukraine has established a military school for operating FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and robotic platforms.
As for the financial implications of the war, the Ukrainian government estimates that approximately 2 trillion hryvnias are spent annually to support the Armed Forces and counter Russian aggression. The Ministry of Finance approximated that the military campaign costs around 130 billion hryvnias per month (1.56 trillion hryvnias per year). In the first six months of the conflict, Ukraine has already expended nearly 1 trillion hryvnias from its state budget, with approximately 40% allocated to military salaries and equipment, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. These figures highlight the immense financial strain on the country as it continues to defend its sovereignty.
