Despite the recent changes to the state budget, Ukraine will likely have to revise its indicators again in autumn due to additional needs in the defense sector. This was stated by MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, referring to the positions of representatives of the parliament, the Ministry of Finance, and economic experts.
The budget may be revised as early as September
According to Zheleznyak, during a discussion at the Center for Economic Strategy, the head of the financial committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Danilo Hetmantsev, and the Deputy Minister of Finance, Roman Yermolichev, confirmed that another revision of the state budget is possible in autumn.
Hetmantsev explained that due to the war, the budget has to be adjusted manually, as it is impossible to accurately forecast the state’s needs for the entire year. The Ministry of Finance also noted that final decisions would be made after analyzing budget execution for nine months.
The defense sector may require another 400 billion UAH
Zheleznyak stated that additional needs in the defense sector may reach about 400 billion UAH. Of this, approximately 283 billion UAH are related to the difference between the current budget allocations and last year's actual expenditures, while about 100 billion UAH may be needed to increase military salaries.
In his opinion, it is necessary to conduct an audit of state expenditures, cut non-priority expenses, and combat the shadow economy, smuggling, and illegal schemes in the fuel, alcohol, and tobacco markets more actively.
The MP proposes to revise state expenditures
Zheleznyak also advocated for revising certain budget programs that he believes are not critical during the war. He stated that his team would prepare legislative proposals to cut non-priority expenses and find additional sources of funding for the army's needs.
Currently, the Verkhovna Rada has not made any decisions regarding a new revision of the state budget.
Earlier, Zheleznyak announced an offensive against corrupt officials due to EU requirements and 90 billion euros.