Bloomberg: Ukraine May Exhaust Defense Funds Within Months, Lacking $52 Billion in External Aid This Year
Andriy Pyshnyi, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, previously stated that if international funds fail to materialize, the central bank would have no choice but to resume directly lending to the treasury to cover salaries for civil servants and military personnel, as well as maintaining basic banking services.
Main reasons for the financial crisis:
- Hungary has blocked a proposed €90 billion loan to Ukraine, citing disruptions to Russian oil transit via the "Friendship" pipeline;
- The IMF's next round of funding also faces uncertainty due to Ukraine’s parliament not yet passing essential legislation, including tax hikes on businesses and citizens.
To make matters worse, some NATO allies are reluctant to provide new funding through the Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Program (PURL).
Furthermore, with the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict, the Pentagon is considering redirecting previously allocated air defense interceptors and other weapons meant for Ukraine toward the Middle East.
Ukrainian government estimates earlier this year:
- At least another $15 billion is needed just for purchasing U.S. weapons this year;
- A total of $52 billion in external aid will be required throughout 2026.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860821358964736/
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