Ukraine's Parliament Approves Law to Direct All Military Levy Funds to Armed Forces

Petro Poroshenko's Address to the Ukrainian Parliament

According to Главком: On April 7, 2026, Petro Poroshenko, the fifth President of Ukraine, delivered a speech in the Verkhovna Rada criticizing the use of the military levy. He called for these funds to be allocated specifically to the needs of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Following discussions, an agreement was reached to ensure every penny of the levy would go towards increasing military personnel salaries and purchasing weaponry. This debate occurs against the backdrop of Ukraine's ongoing need to secure stable, transparent funding for its defense.

The Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 15110, which extends the military levy for three years after the war's end. This decision was supported by 257 members of parliament. Poroshenko stressed that the issue lies not with the legislation itself, but with the state's approach to implementing such decisions.

'The problem is one of trust, because this law was initially proposed by my government, during my term. But now they were trying to deceive you.' Petro Poroshenko

The Critical Need for Transparency in Military Funding

In his address, Poroshenko also emphasized the importance of:

• directing all military levy funds exclusively to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• using funds from military bonds solely for army requirements;
• returning personal income tax to local communities to support military units.

He underscored the necessity of combating corruption in weapons procurement, highlighting the critical need for efficient fund usage to ensure the country's defense capabilities.

'And so today we have a very effective result. For the first time in seven years, a meeting of European solidarity with government representatives. And we quickly agreed that every penny of the war levy goes to the needs of the Armed Forces.' Petro Poroshenko

Poroshenko's speech highlights the vital importance of transparency in the use of state funds, especially during wartime. The three-year extension of the military levy aims to secure financing for the army, which is critically important for maintaining Ukraine's defense. Given the public distrust in state institutions, the focus on the targeted use of funds could be a key factor in improving the situation in the country. Ensuring that defense spending reaches its intended purpose remains a paramount concern for both Ukrainian leaders and international partners.

As discussions around military funding continue, the recent decision by the Verkhovna Rada to extend the military levy highlights the ongoing commitment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this law and its long-term effects on military taxation, you can read more about how the military tax will remain in place for many more years in our detailed article here.