REUTERS
Financing of security and defense at a level of at least 5% of GDP remains a government priority.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman says that the national budget of Ukraine for 2019 foresees about UAH 200 billion, or US$7.1 billion, in spending on defense and security.
"Last year, UAH 167 billion (US$5.93 billion) was allocated for these purposes. This year, it will be an increase by about UAH 30 billion, to UAH 197 billion (US$6.99 billion), and the special fund and other defense revenue are included, it's more than UAH 200 billion (US$7.1. billion)," Groysman said at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine on Thursday, September 6.
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Financing of security and defense at a level of at least 5% of GDP remains a government priority, he said.
According to him, the draft budget provides for funds to increase military pay and allowances. "We also understand that we need to provide the army with the latest weapons and everything necessary for effective security and defense. At the same time, we believe that all managers of the funds, in accordance with strategic documents for the development of our security and defense, should ensure the efficient use of the money," Groysman said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that Ukraine would spend 5.26% of GDP on defense alone in 2018.