Kyiv announced on Sunday that its newly appointed defence minister, Yevhenii Khmara, presented a detailed plan to Ukraine’s partners for how the country will use additional resources to confront Russia. Khmara, who succeeded Mykhailo Fedorov last month, said Ukraine will ask the European Union to advance a portion of the €45 billion loan scheduled for 2026, while also lobbying existing and new allies for increased support.
Clear vision for the front lines
“Ukraine will present partners with a clear vision and a clear plan: what tasks the Defence Forces face, what projects are needed for this, what results must be achieved, and within what timeframes,” Khmara told reporters. He emphasized that the strategy must be communicated down the chain of command so commanders and units at the front can act effectively.
EU financing and budget gap
The European Union has earmarked €90 billion in financing for Ukraine through 2027, with €45 billion allocated for each of 2026 and 2027. Ukraine’s defence budget, however, faces a $27 billion deficit, prompting the push for an early loan release. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently noted that spending in the first half of the year exceeded expectations.
Military priorities and challenges
Khмara, a former special‑forces commander credited with leading Ukraine’s deep‑strike campaign, said he shares a “common vision” with new top general Mykhailo Drapatyi. The plan includes stepping up long‑range drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, defence manufacturing, and logistics, while addressing critical shortages in manpower and air defences.
Ukraine has also tested four potential interceptors to counter the jet‑powered drones Russia has been deploying over Kyiv, which have caused civilian casualties and property damage over the past four days.
Looking ahead
By presenting a concrete, time‑bound strategy, Khмara hopes to secure the necessary funds and support to sustain Ukraine’s defence operations and ultimately bring the war to a decisive end.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
