Ukraine’s Defense Ministry faces a $27 billion budget shortfall, while the country needs to secure 360 missiles for Patriot systems to strengthen its air defenses during the winter. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described defense funding and protection against Russian ballistic missiles as the country’s two main challenges.
The president made the remarks during a conversation with journalists, excerpts from which were published on his official Telegram channel.
Zelenskyy explained that the Defense Ministry had used part of the funding allocated for the second half of the year ahead of schedule. The money was spent on drone production and other military requirements.
Of the $27 billion shortfall, approximately $8–10 billion must be secured in advance to finance weapons supplies and other needs in January 2027. Almost another $20 billion is required for military salaries, payments to the families of fallen service members and other defense expenditures.
Ukraine also expects to receive €30 billion in European funding. Its release depends on the Ukrainian parliament adopting the required legislation.
Zelenskyy said he was working with France and Germany to secure additional financing. One possible solution would be to accelerate the disbursement of the second tranche of previously allocated European assistance.
Ukraine needs 360 Patriot missiles
Zelenskyy said he had initially sought 300 Patriot interceptor missiles as part of a winter defense package. The Ukrainian Air Force’s official request, however, is for 360 missiles.
Securing that number will be difficult because annual production amounts to approximately 600 missiles. Ukraine is negotiating with its partners and hopes to obtain a small portion of existing US stocks.
“We are prepared to pay for this delivery,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, supplying Ukraine with 5–10% of US stocks would allow Washington to gradually replace the transferred interceptors with newly manufactured missiles while helping Ukraine protect its cities and energy infrastructure during the winter.
Russia is expanding ballistic missile production
Zelenskyy warned that Russia could increase its production of ballistic missiles to approximately 100 per month, or as many as 1,300 per year. Ukraine currently estimates Russia’s stockpile at 600–630 missiles.
Ukrainian forces have become more effective at intercepting Russian cruise missiles using combat aircraft, IRIS-T and Hawk systems, and other weapons. Countering ballistic threats, however, requires additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was working to reduce Russia’s ballistic missile production capacity through strikes on military facilities, sanctions against defense manufacturers and restrictions on component supply chains.
