Zelenskyy Calls for More Defense Funding

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for additional funding, expanded drone production and stronger air defenses as the country seeks to reinforce key sectors of the front and sustain military operations against Russia.

In an address on Aug. 14, Zelenskyy said Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi had identified measures to strengthen the Slovyansk and Kostiantynivka sectors. He thanked Ukrainian forces for resisting Russian assaults and said the government expected to eliminate at least 30,000 Russian personnel during August, without providing further details.

Zelenskyy said military spending during the first half of the year had exceeded expectations, creating a substantial funding shortfall. He said he had discussed the issue with Defense Minister Denys Khmara and at a meeting of military leaders, and called on the government and lawmakers to secure additional resources.

The president also said Ukraine was expanding sanctions and strikes targeting Russia’s military and energy sectors, including oil refineries, logistics networks and vessels allegedly involved in transporting goods taken from occupied Ukrainian territories. He renewed calls for international sanctions against Russian companies and intermediaries, and said Ukraine was pursuing additional air-defense systems, missile supplies and agreements to produce weapons domestically.