Ukraine faces winter drone shortages unless $27 billion defense funding gap is filled, Zelenskyy says
Ukraine could face serious drone shortages this winter unless it fills a $27 billion gap in its defense budget, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sept. 25.
Zelenskyy said much of the shortfall covers funding for drones, missiles and other military needs from October through December, as well as payments to service members.
The timing is critical because drones needed by Ukrainian forces in January and February must be ordered and paid for in October and November, he said.
“If we do not order and pay for them in October and November, we will face serious challenges in January and February,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
More than a third of the $27 billion shortfall could ultimately be needed to finance drone production for January through March, according to the president.
Zelenskyy said he had discussed the funding gap with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Ukraine has also asked the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan for assistance in covering the shortfall.
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