The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that after the war, the country will not be able to finance the Armed Forces independently at the level of 800 thousand military personnel. He emphasized that cooperation with international partners for partial funding of the army remains relevant.
Zelensky also noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are a key element of national security, but a certain amount of time is needed for full economic recovery. Therefore, Ukraine is currently counting on support from its international partners in this regard.
The Armed Forces are a primary guarantee of security. We need time to restore the economy in order to be able to finance the army independently. In the meantime, we need the support of partners.
It was also noted that the discussed number of 800 thousand military personnel concerns only the Armed Forces and not the entire defense system. It was previously known that the parties agreed during negotiations on a limit of army personnel at the level of 800 thousand, although initially, there were plans to reduce the number of soldiers to 600 thousand.
In peacetime, the agreement stipulates a limitation of the Armed Forces to 800 thousand personnel in accordance with the European standard of peaceful settlement.
President Zelensky defined the importance of partnerships with other countries for funding the army and maintaining national security after a period of war when the state of Ukraine's economy remains challenging. Dialogue and cooperation with international allies become key elements of the country's strategy in the context of sovereign restoration and stabilization of the internal situation.