Ukraine already spent over UAH 1 trillion on defense this year – PM Shmyhal

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this at a government meeting on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

"Over nine months of 2023, UAH 2.119 trillion has already been used from the general fund of the state budget. Of these funds, UAH 682 billion was spent on military salaries. UAH 349 billion was transferred to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the purchase of military equipment, weapons, ammunition, defence products, and personal protective equipment. That is, this year we have already directed more than UAH 1 trillion on our defence," said Shmyhal.

According to him, social programs are in second place among expenditures.

“Over nine months, UAH 386 billion was spent from the budget on these [social programs], another UAH 102 billion was allocated for healthcare, and UAH 112 billion for transfers to local budgets, i.e. support for Ukrainian regions," the Prime Minister added.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the 2024 draft state budget at first reading.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal, Telegram