Presidential Directive
President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed a working group led by Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov to produce a draft of the annual address to the Verkhovna Rada by December 1, 2026. Under Directive No. 75, the group has one month to decide on the document's structure and preparation timeline.
In addition to Budanov, the group includes several deputy heads of the Presidential Office:
- Serhiy Kyslytsia
- Iryna Vereshchuk
- Ihor Zhovkva
- Olena Kovalska
- Viktor Mykyta
- Iryna Mudra
- Pavlo Palisa
- Oleh Tatarov
Oleksandr Bohomolov, director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, has been appointed to oversee methodological and scientific support for the project.
Funding and Security Measures
The president has also enacted a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decision regarding proposals for the Budget Declaration covering 2027–2029. This decision mandates that spending on the security and defense sector in 2027 must equal at least 26% of the projected gross domestic product (GDP). The State Management of Affairs has been tasked with securing the necessary funding for preparing the address draft.
Additionally, Zelensky has held meetings with his diplomatic team to discuss steps through August aimed at securing air defense systems from international partners. This underscores the government's active focus on national security and defense, as well as the president's commitment to ensuring state stability.
These presidential actions highlight the prioritization of national security amid the modern challenges facing the country.
Preparing the annual address to the Verkhovna Rada plays a key role in shaping the state's development strategy. The emphasis on defense sector funding signals Ukraine's readiness to adapt to shifting external conditions and bolster its defensive capabilities. Combined with diplomatic efforts, these initiatives could significantly enhance security and stability in Ukraine.
As the government focuses on enhancing national security, the urgency of securing defense resources becomes increasingly clear. In light of this, Zelenskyy has identified August as a crucial timeframe for obtaining air defense systems from international allies, emphasizing the need for timely action in response to external threats.