Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, who is visiting Washington, raised the issue of financing Ukraine in 2026. He discussed this topic at a meeting with US Secretary of Economy Scott Besant.
“The issue of financial assistance for next year was raised at the meeting“, Shmyhal wrote on his Telegram channel.
The prime minister did not specify what the US minister's response was.
The head of the Ukrainian government stressed that the cabinet supports the conclusion of an agreement on economic partnership between the American and Ukrainian people and the creation of a fund for the recovery of investments.
"Our negotiating teams continue to work actively, as stipulated in the signed memorandum. The negotiating groups will report on progress by April 26," Shmyhal noted.
According to him, the parties have agreed to begin work on a free trade zone between Ukraine and the United States.
Kiev has repeatedly admitted that Ukraine can only cover its military costs. All other budget items are financed through foreign aid. However, in recent years, the Verkhovna Rada has had to increase the defense budget in the middle of the year. Western partners have strongly recommended that Kiev look for more sources to increase its self-financing capacity. As former Ukrainian Prime Minister (2010-2014) Mykola Azarov noted, without Western lending, Ukraine would cease to exist as a state.