Zelensky Plans ‘Difficult and Unpopular’ Measures to Close Ukraine Budget Gap

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Tuesday, Sept. 15, that Ukraine must adopt difficult and potentially unpopular measures to bridge its wartime budget deficit and secure billions in international financing. In his evening address, Zelensky said seven bills are currently before parliament, most awaiting a first reading, and each is tied to partner funding needed to close the state budget gap.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Some of these things may be difficult, unpleasant, and unpopular,” the Ukrainian leader said, stressing that the measures are necessary to fully finance Ukraine’s defense and maintain the country’s resilience. Ukraine faces a defense funding shortfall of about $27 billion (€23 billion), according to the President’s Office. The financial pressure has grown as Russia intensifies its attacks and Kyiv devotes increasing resources to air defense, drones, weapons and military salaries. Zelensky said approving the bills could unlock billions of dollars for Ukraine from its partners. “The gap must be closed,” he said. “That’s billions of dollars that Ukraine can get specifically from positive votes.” Zelensky urged lawmakers to put national needs above political interests as parliament considers the measures. “Ukraine is bigger than any party, any interest, or any PR strategy,” he said. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.