Funding Ukraine’s defense and security forces: the Staff meeting agenda
President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a meeting of the Staff (Stavka) focused on how Ukraine’s defense and security forces will be financed through the autumn and winter months. Zelensky shared details on Telegram. Participants identified the most pressing shortfalls and extra requirements, particularly for innovative and tech-driven weaponry. Discussions also centered on speeding up output of strike systems and new protective weapons, including jet interceptors. This latest review comes as Ukraine prepares for another season of Russian pressure on its energy grid and frontline positions.
At the meeting, intelligence services presented updated assessments of the Russian Federation’s plans. Ukraine is preparing counteractions and asymmetric responses. The Staff reviews weekly results of long-range and medium-range sanctions against Russia; the sanctions roadmap is being implemented, with priorities adjusted as needed. Ihor Klymenko reported on how decisions from the Staff and the National Security and Defense Council are being carried out and flagged areas that require more attention.
Operations against collaborators and security-sector financing
Special services briefed participants on targeted operations against collaborators in temporarily occupied territories, specifically Sevastopol. Such operations are ongoing. On 13 August, an explosion in Sevastopol killed a man, possibly Robert Shageyev, deputy commander of the Black Sea Fleet’s submarine brigade and former commander of the Ukrainian Navy submarine Zaporizhzhia. Shageyev defected after Russia occupied Crimea.
Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'Collaborators will inevitably be held accountable.'
Separately, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi addressed financing for Ukraine’s defense forces. Officials discussed the actual, updated funding requirement through the end of this year. Koretskyi stressed that all tax revenue is being channeled to the security and defense sector, and the Cabinet is working to locate additional resources, including from international partners.
Earlier, in June, Zelensky signed amendments to the 2026 state budget that substantially increase security and defense spending. Under the changes, such expenditures are set to rise by more than 1.5 trillion hryvnias.
Staff meetings are a key part of Ukraine’s preparation for the autumn-winter period, when defense readiness becomes particularly critical. Sustained financing for the defense and security forces remains a top priority amid threats from the Russian Federation. The operations against collaborators also show a more active effort to push back against those aiding the enemy, which could matter greatly for stability in occupied areas.
In light of the ongoing challenges facing Ukraine's defense budget, it is crucial to consider the implications of recent issues with the resilience funding plans. As President Zelensky emphasizes the need for innovative solutions, understanding the financial landscape becomes essential for ensuring effective military readiness during the upcoming months.