Ministry of Finance: Budget Expenditures on Defense Increased by 20% in Eight Months of 2025
The expenditures of the general fund of Ukraine’s state budget from January to September 2025 reached 2.82 trillion UAH, which is 20.2% more compared to the same period in 2024. The majority of the funds were allocated for defense needs.
The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the year, expenditures on security and defense amounted to 1.78 trillion UAH, or 63.3% of the total budget volume. In September alone, these expenses totaled 210.8 billion UAH. However, for the fifth time, the Ministry of Finance decided not to disclose details regarding military salary payments and military equipment procurement. This decision raises questions about the transparency and efficiency of expenditures.
A substantial portion of the budget was also allocated for wages – 1130 billion UAH. This is 21.6% more than in the corresponding period last year. For social security, including pensions and scholarships, 474.9 billion UAH was directed, which is 15.3% more than in 2024.
The analysis reflects the growing financial pressure on the state budget amid the armed conflict. According to forecasts, the draft law on increasing defense expenditures by 300 billion UAH, currently being prepared by the Ministry of Finance, is expected to help avoid delays in payments to military personnel.
| Expenditure Category | January-September 2025, billion UAH | Change from 2024, % |
|---|---|---|
| Defense and Security | 1.78 trillion | — |
| Wage Payments | 1130 | +21.6% |
| Social Security | 474.9 | +15.3% |
| Subsidies and Transfers | 347.1 | +54.5% |
| Debt Servicing | 246.3 | +13.2% |
| Transfers to Local Budgets | 139.3 | +6.5% |
