Ukraine presents $120bn military strategy for 2026
Soldiers from 22nd Brigade are training to drive tanks in winter conditions (Photo: 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade / AFU Ground Forces / Telegram)
Ukraine will require $120 billion to implement its military strategy in 2026, with half of that amount expected to come from the country’s own budget and loans from the European Union, Defense Ministry reported on Jan. 26.
The figure was announced by Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev during a speech at the OFDEF (Operational Force Development Framework) conference in Poland.
Boiev said that since September 2025, Russian forces have intensified offensive operations along the entire frontline and are preparing for further escalation. However, he stressed that if international support continues, Russia will not be able to achieve its operational objectives.
Ukraine and its partners have developed a military strategy focused on defending Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, stabilizing the frontline, striking Russian logistics in operational depth, and targeting strategic enemy facilities, he added.
To implement this strategy in 2026, Ukraine will need $120 billion, the deputy defense minister said. About $60 billion is expected to come from Ukraine’s own budget and EU loans, while the remaining $60 billion is expected from allied security assistance.
Boiev said that Ukraine’s top priorities for 2026 are air defense and missile defense systems, along with interceptor missiles. Other key priorities include Ukrainian-made drones and longer-range artillery ammunition.
Ukraine is urging its partners to allocate around 80% of security assistance to these directions.
He also said that Ukraine plans to produce more than seven million drones this year.
Boiev emphasized that Ukraine’s need for air defense remains critical, noting that Russia has significantly increased the production and use of cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as attack drones.
On Jan. 25, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that over the course of one week, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with more than 1,700 strike drones, 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and 69 missiles of various types.
“The main targets Russia is striking now are our energy sector, critical infrastructure, and residential buildings,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that every large-scale Russian attack could be devastating, making Ukraine’s daily need for air defense missiles critical.
“And we continue working with the United States and Europe to strengthen the protection of our skies,” the president added.
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