“It’s all elementary mathematics”: the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada explained why and when taxes may increase in Ukraine

The issue of the need to raise taxes is becoming more and more urgent, and this topic may begin to be discussed as early as September. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, told about this in an interview with “We-Ukraine”, stressing that such a measure is urgent in the conditions of the ongoing war.
Stefanchuk emphasized that the country should urgently resolve the issue of increasing the tax burden. He noted that all expenses for the military needs of Ukraine, for the provision of the Armed Forces, are covered exclusively from the state budget. Other budget expenses, such as the social sphere and various government expenses, are covered by our international partners. In fact, the Ukrainian budget is currently working to support the army, which is conducting active combat operations.
“We must be clearly aware that everything our army does, all their heroism and endurance, is financed by the state, or rather, from the state budget of Ukraine. All other expenses, such as social programs and various budget expenditures, are supported by our international partners. In fact , we work for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But every day the front is increasing, the number of mobilized is increasing, this is all elementary mathematics.” – said the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
Stefanchuk also explained that the growth of the front and the increase in the number of mobilized Ukrainian citizens raise the issue of additional funding for the government and society. Increasing tax revenues becomes an inevitable step if Ukraine seeks to continue to provide its military with everything it needs, including the payment of salaries, logistical support, and other critical aspects of warfare.
“The issue of increasing taxes will definitely be on the agenda. We simply cannot avoid it, because the situation at the front dictates its conditions. As early as September, we can start serious discussions on this issue, because there is an urgent need to pay the salaries of our military. This the minimum we are obliged to provide” – said Stefanchuk.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized that the decision to increase taxes should be justified and take into account all the needs of the army, as well as the situation in the economy in general. This is a difficult and at the same time necessary step, which should ensure continuous support of the Ukrainian military in this difficult time for the country. Stefanchuk added that the issue of providing for the army and financing military expenses is at the top of all government priorities, and this requires appropriate resources.