The Verkhovna Rada has begun considering the draft law "On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2026". A vote on the document may take place 75 minutes after the discussion of reports by Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko and Budget Committee Chairwoman Roksolana Pidlasa.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered an audit of state-owned energy and defense companies. He also initiated a review of ARMA and FDMU.
The Russian Federation has imposed economic sanctions against representatives of the Ukrainian government, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Head of the Ministry of Finance Serhiy Marchenko, Advisor to the Minister of Defense Oleksandr Kubrakov, and Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev. The reasons for these measures have not been reported.
Ukraine will receive the first financial proceeds from Japan from the revenues of frozen Russian assets in early 2026. This is part of the G7 countries' ERA mechanism worth $50 billion, which will go to finance the state budget expenditures.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering providing Ukraine with additional funding for gas purchases. This will help ensure the smooth passage of the 2025-2026 heating season, especially after Russia's intensified attacks on the energy system.
The Accounting Chamber has identified a number of risks in the draft State Budget for 2026, particularly due to dependence on international aid. The total volume of revenues amounts to UAH 5.45 trillion, of which almost 40% is international aid.
Ukraine's draft state budget for 2026 envisages 60 billion euros for security and defense, which accounts for 27. 2% of GDP. Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced this at a meeting of the EU Council, thanking for the support and outlining financial challenges.
In 2026, Ukraine plans to spend UAH 2. 8 trillion on national security and defense, of which UAH 955 billion will go to the procurement and production of weapons. This accounts for a third of all funds allocated for defense, with 60% of the budget to be directed to defense until the end of hostilities.
Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin presented the draft budget for 2026, where social spending will increase by 11%. In particular, payments for childbirth will increase to UAH 50,000 and monthly payments during the first year.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced the allocation of UAH 6 billion to support frontline territories. The funds will be used for housing, children's nutrition, educational spaces, and healthcare.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced the possibility of a repeated revision of the 2025 State Budget to increase funding for the security and defense sector. Consultations are currently underway regarding the format and timing of allocating additional expenditures.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced a revision of the subsistence minimum, which currently stands at 3209 hryvnias. It will be modernized and unlinked from inappropriate surcharges.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced an expected 18. 8% increase in State Budget revenues for 2026, reaching 2.8 trillion hryvnias. The revenue increase will be achieved through VAT, personal income tax, military levy, corporate income tax, and excise taxes.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko stated that the government has provided sufficient resources for the security and defense sector for 2026. The total volume of expenditures and provision of loans from the state budget will amount to UAH 4.8 trillion, of which UAH 2,805.8 billion will be allocated to defense and security.
Economist Oleh Pendzyn stated that the main issue of the State Budget-2026 is finding 120 billion dollars for defense, of which 60 billion dollars should be provided by partners.
Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development have signed a loan agreement for $246. 5 million from Japan. The funds will be used for investment management for the country's post-war recovery and reconstruction.
The Ministry of Finance, the NBU, and the IMF discussed the implementation of the EFF program and budget plans. The IMF noted the effectiveness of Ukraine's work, and Serhiy Marchenko thanked them for their support.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko stated that Ukraine needs $45 billion for 2026, as hostilities are expected to continue. This need is not yet covered, and negotiations are underway with the G7, EU, and IMF.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine announced an open competition for the position of head of the State Customs Service. The government also approved a medium-term plan for customs reform, which is part of the National Revenue Strategy until 2030.
Yulia Svyrydenko instructed Serhiy Marchenko to submit a decision to the government for consideration on the formation of a competition commission for the selection of the head of the State Customs Service. This is intended to ensure a transparent and professional selection.
In the updated government led by Yulia Svyrydenko, most ministers retained their positions, some swapped chairs. Denys Shmyhal headed the Ministry of Defense, Herman Halushchenko — the Ministry of Justice, and Svitlana Hrynchuk — the Ministry of Energy.
The Verkhovna Rada supported the updated composition of the Cabinet of Ministers, proposed by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. New ministers have been appointed, including Oleksiy Kuleba, Taras Kachka, and others.
A submission for the appointment of a new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has been made to the Verkhovna Rada. 13 ministers have been proposed, including Mykhailo Fedorov, Oleksiy Kuleba, and Taras Kachka.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine today, July 17, begins the formation of a new Cabinet of Ministers after the dismissal of Denys Shmyhal. President Zelenskyy proposed Yulia Svyrydenko for the position of Prime Minister, and also presented candidates for other ministerial portfolios.
At the meeting of the "Servant of the People" faction, President Zelenskyy proposed Yulia Svyrydenko for the position of Prime Minister. Candidates for key ministerial portfolios, including Fedorov, Kuleba, and Kachka, were presented.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has resigned and is being considered for the post of Minister of Defense. Yulia Svyrydenko is to head the government, and Mykhailo Fedorov will become the first vice-prime minister.
The candidacy of the Prime Minister of Ukraine has already been approved, a series of resignations in ministries is expected. The dismissal of ministers is scheduled for July 16, and the appointment of new ones - for the next day.
President Zelenskyy proposed Yulia Svyrydenko to head the government, which will lead to the resignation of Denys Shmyhal and the entire Cabinet of Ministers. Shmyhal may head the Ministry of Defense, and Umerov may become the ambassador to the USA.
President Zelenskyy has formed Ukraine's delegation to participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) in Rome. The delegation will be headed by First Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and will include ministers from key agencies.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko expressed hope that the Verkhovna Rada will vote for changes to the state budget at the next session. The Cabinet of Ministers is preparing a comprehensive law on changes that will concern additional defense needs.
