The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the draft State Budget for 2026 as a whole, with 257 votes in favor. The previous day, the parliament’s budget committee recommended adopting the document, emphasizing its balance and compliance with the state’s strategic priorities. Despite the majority’s support, some MPs expressed critical remarks, in particular regarding the lack of salary increases for the military and the continuation of funding for the “United Marathon” initiative.
Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, during the presentation of the State Budget in the Verkhovna Rada, noted that the preparation of the project was carried out with maximum attention to detail and the balance of income and expenses. According to him, the total amount of state budget expenditures will amount to 4.781 trillion hryvnias.
By the second reading, an additional 19 billion hryvnias were provided for the reserve fund, a phased increase in teachers’ salaries, the purchase of passenger cars, the implementation of state housing programs, and other areas. The state budget deficit ceiling has been increased by almost 6 billion hryvnias to 1.9 trillion hryvnias, which is 18.5% of GDP.
Main areas of financing:
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Defense and security — 2.8 trillion hryvnias
This budget item accounts for almost 60% of all expenditures and includes financing the financial support of the military, the purchase of weapons and military equipment. For the first time, the budget includes 1 billion hryvnia for the arrangement of shelters in kindergartens. -
Education — 273.9 billion hryvnia
It is planned to increase teachers’ salaries, provide scholarships for students, publish textbooks and organize school meals. -
Social protection — 468.5 billion hryvnia
The budget provides for payments at the birth of a child, childcare assistance, pensions, subsidies and support for internally displaced persons (72.6 billion hryvnias). In particular, 1.4 billion hryvnias have been allocated for a new program to support IDPs from temporarily occupied territories. -
Support for veterans — 19 billion hryvnias
The funding is aimed at providing housing, organizing support programs, and developing veteran spaces. -
Healthcare — 258.6 billion hryvnias
Funds have been allocated for the medical guarantee program, purchasing medicines, and conducting preventive check-ups for people aged 40+ and investment projects in the field of healthcare. -
Business and economy — 52 billion hryvnias
Small and medium-sized business financing programs, grant programs, development of industrial parks and the “e-Housing” housing construction program are planned. -
Agricultural complex — over 14 billion hryvnias
Support for farms and humanitarian demining of agricultural territories are planned.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that despite the war, the Ukrainian economy is showing signs of stability and gradual recovery. For 2026, GDP growth is forecast to reach 10.31 trillion hryvnias, inflation rates are expected to slow down, and the average wage is expected to increase to 30 thousand hryvnias.
The draft State Budget was approved by the government on September 15, 2025, when planned expenditures were set at 4.8 trillion hryvnias, revenues at 2.826 trillion hryvnias (plus 446.8 billion). The deficit was set at 18.4% of GDP, and the need for external financing was over 2 trillion hryvnias. On October 22, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the document in the first reading, emphasizing the priority of financing the defense sector.
