From defense to teacher salaries – the Rada approved the state budget for 2026
3 December 2025 15:42
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted the state budget for 2026, a document that defines the country’s financial priorities in the context of the ongoing war and growing needs in the security and defense sector.
This was reported by MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, noting that 257 MPs voted in favor, while the European Solidarity and Batkivshchyna factions did not support the document, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
What does the adopted budget provide for?
The 2026 budget envisages expenditures of UAH 4.8 trillion, which is UAH 415 billion more than in last year’s draft. Revenues will also increase – up to UAH 2.82 trillion, which is UAH 446 billion more. The main items remain defense, social spending, and support for critical infrastructure.
The government has emphasized that the deficit will amount to 18.4% of GDP, which is lower than in 2025, but still at a critically high level for a country at war. The need for external financing remains at a record high of over UAH 2 trillion.
Political context and controversy
Before adopting the document, the relevant committee proposed a number of amendments, but opposition factions criticized the draft for its overreliance on international aid and, in their words, lack of transparency in the distribution of expenditures.
The budget was supported in the first reading on October 22, but the document was amended before its final adoption. The priorities include funding for the defense sector, support for the energy sector, social payments, and salary increases in the education sector.
After the document is adopted, the government will have to approve budget schedules and start preparing for the implementation of the external financing program. At the same time, many of the indicators depend on further agreements with international partners, as well as on how the situation at the frontline develops.
